The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines for the reopening of universities and colleges across the nation, in line with the process of gradually opening the lockdown enforced due to COVID-19 pandemic. As per the new guidelines, universities and colleges outside the containment zone can be opened in a sequential manner after consultation with the respective State/UT Governments.
UGC suggests six-day weeks, smaller class-sizes to enable social
distancing, however, teaching hours in a day may be extended, as per the
institution’s requirements. The state government will decide on when
colleges and state universities will resume physical classes. UGC has
also asked institutions to keep a plan ready for international students
who cannot resume their courses due to travel restrictions or visa
issues during the pandemic.
UGC guidelines for reopening schools and colleges
1. Face masks or covers are mandatory and the social distancing rule of the 6-feet gap between people needs to be followed compulsorily.
2.
Use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers whenever possible and 40-60
seconds of handwashing with soap frequently even when hands aren’t
visibly dirty.
3. Nose and mouth need to
be strictly covered with tissue or handkerchief when coughing or
sneezing and tissue needs to be disposed of properly. Respiratory
etiquettes are to be strictly followed.
4. Everyone needs to self-monitor their health and report any illness at the earliest.
5. Spitting would be strictly prohibited.
6. Installation and use of the Aarogya Setu App could be mandatory wherever required.
Preventative measures by UGC
Apart
from the UGC guidelines, a list of preventative measures has also been
released by the UGC for resuming college and university classes:
1.
Before reopening of any campus, the Central or the concerned State
Government must have declared the area safe for reopening of educational
institutions. The directions, instructions, guidelines and orders
issued by the Central and State Government concerned regarding safety
and health in view of COVID-19 must be fully abided by the higher
education institutions.
2. The
universities and colleges shall be allowed to open only if they are
outside the containment zones. Further, students and staff living in
containment zones will not be allowed to attend the colleges. Students
and staff shall also be advised not to visit areas falling within
containment zones.
3. The faculty, staff and students of the university and college should be encouraged to download ‘Aarogya Setu App’
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