WHEREAS it has been decided to re-open the residential schools, hostels, guest houses/paying guest accommodation for students of classes 6(six) and above with effect from 17th March 2021 in the State of Nagaland;

            AND WHEREAS, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic there is a need for taking measures for preventing and containing the spread of COVID-19 on the re-opening of the residential schools, hostels, guest houses/paying guest accommodation for the safety of students, teachers, staff, employees, and all others concerned:

            NOW THEREFORE, the undersigned in exercise of the powers, conferred under Section 22 (2) (b) and Section 22 (2) (h) of the Disaster Management Act 2005, in the capacity of Chairperson, State Executive Committee, hereby issues the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the reopening of the residential schools, hostels, guest houses/paying guest accommodation on the preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19, as annexed, along with the provisions of the SOP for the reopening of Schools for students of classes 6 (six) and above issued vide order of even number dated 1st February 2021, as applicable, also annexed, for strict compliance by all concerned throughout the State of Nagaland.

Annexure I

 

Sops for re-opening of residential schools, hostels and guest houses/paying guest accommodation for students on the preventive measures to contain the spread of covid-19

1. Hostels may be opened only in such cases where it is necessary while strictly observing the safety and health preventive measures as issued by the Government from time to time.
2. Students who are not local residents of the city /town/locality, or do not have any support at home, or do not have facility for on-line education may be prioritized for allotment of hostel facilities.
3. Boarders/hostellers shall be allowed to return to the boarding facility in phases.
4. Screening of every boarder/hosteller shall be conducted before allowing boarding in the hostel, residential schools and guest houses/paying guest accommodation. Only asymptomatic boarders shall be allowed to join.
5. Faculty, staff and students should submit self-disclosure, if any of their family members have been infected/availed treatment for COVID-19.
6. Thermal Screening of all resident students should be ensured.
7. Pulse oximeter to check oxygen saturation levels of any symptomatic person must be arranged.
8. Since residential students may be coming from different locations, they shall remain in quarantine for monitoring of their health condition for the specified period of 14 days before being allowed to attend classes or as per the policy of the State Government for quarantine issued from time to time (even if a covid -19 negative test report is submitted).
9. There should not be crowding in hostel areas. Therefore, the number of boarders shall be limited appropriately.
10. In shared rooms/dormitories, the beds should be placed at a distance of 6 feet from each other. Temporary partitions may be considered, if feasible.
11. Symptomatic boarders/hostellers shall be isolated in the designated isolation facility at the institute/hostel and shall be referred to the nearest COVID treatment facility for clinical assessment and treatment.
12. Density in dining halls, common rooms, playing areas should be limited, keeping in view the requirement of physical distancing.
13. Hygiene conditions should be regularly monitored in kitchens, dining halls, bathrooms and toilets etc.
14. Cleanliness shall be maintained in dining areas. Utensils should be properly cleaned.
15. In case mess facility is within the premises, then mess timings may be increased/staggered. Meals should be served in small batches, to avoid over-crowding. Take away options should be available for students and staff.
16. It must be ensured that the meals are freshly cooked. A senior staff should monitor the same.
17. Wearing of face covers/masks and proper sanitization of hands of the staff engaged for the preparation and distribution of meals should be ensured.
18. Resident students and staff should avoid or limit visiting the markets. As far as possible, essential items may be made available within the campus.
19. Every institutions should regularly monitor the health of its students, faculty, and staff.
20. Hostels should be out of bound for all persons except essential staff with known health status.
21. In addition to the above, the provisions of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued vide Office of Chief Secretary's order No CSO/GAB-l/COM/GEN-1 2020 dated 1.2.2021 for the reopening of Schools in Nagaland for students of classes 6 (six) and above on the preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 (appended as Annexure II), as applicable, will also be required to be strictly observed by all concerned.
22. Any violation of the provisions of the above SOP will attract action as per legal provisions against the management, employees, staff of the residential schools/hostels/guest houses, or students, as the case may be.

 

Re-opening of Schools for conduct of regular classes for students of classes 6 and above

            WHEREAS the Directorate of School Education, Government of Nagaland has permitted the resumption of conduct of regular classes for students of classes 6 (six) and above in all the Schools functioning in Nagaland with effect from 8th February 2021 vide Notification no ED/AEI-8/2019 dated 27/01/2021 in pursuance to Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland orderno.DSE/Misc/1-138 dated 21/01/202;

            AND WHEREAS, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic there is a need for taking measures for preventing and containing the spread of COVID-19 on the re-opening of the Schools for the safety of the students, teachers, and all others concerned;

            NOW THEREFORE, the undersigned in exercise of the powers, conferred under Section 22 (2) (b) and Section 22 (2) (h) of the Disaster Management Act 2005, in the capacity of Chairperson, State Executive Committee, hereby issues the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the reopening > of Schools for students of| classes 6 (six) to 12 (twelve) on the preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19, as annexed^ for strict compliance by all concerned throughout the State of Nagaland.

Annexure

SOP FOR REOPENING OF SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS OF CLASSES 6 TO 12 ON THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO CONTAIN SPREAD OF COVID-19

1.         Scope

            This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken to prevent spread of COVID-19 when schools resume normal functioning for students of classes 6 to 12.

2.         Generic Preventive Measures ?

            The generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (teachers, employees and students) in these places at all times.

            These include:

1. Physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed asfar as feasible.
2. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
3. Frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible.
4. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one's mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue,handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
5. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest.
6. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
7. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App mav be advised wherever feasible.

3.         All schools (with classes 6 to 12) shall specifically ensure the following arrangements

1. Seating arrangement to ensure a distance of 6 feet between chairs, desks etc.
2. Schools shall prepare alternate day routine for classes so as to fulfill the parameters given in 2(i) & 3(i) above. For example: Monday, Wednesday, Friday for classes VI to VIII and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday for classes IX to X etc.
3. Schools shall frame the alternate day routine as per the enrolment in each class and the infrastructure facilities available.
4. Supplementary Online/distance learning shall be encouraged.

4.1       BEFORE OPENING UP OF SCHOOLS

a)         Planning of reopening of schools.

1. Schools outside the containment zones only shall be allowed to open. Further, students, teachers and employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend schools. Students, teachers and employees shall also be advised not to visit areas falling within containment zones.
2. Prior to resumption of activities, all work areas intended for teaching/demonstrations etc., including laboratories, other common utility areas shall be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.
3. Schools that were used as quarantine centres will be properly sanitized and deep cleaned before functioning of the school is resumed. Guidelines issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India for disinfection of common public places including offices may be referred to in this regard) (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesondisinfectionofcommonpublicplacesi ncludirtgoffices.pdf)
4. Instead of biometric attendance alternate arrangements for contactless attendance shall be made by the school administration.
5. At all times, the teachers and students shall maintain a physical distancing of 6 feet apart, wherever feasible. Scheduling of activities and seating plan shall be made accordingly.
6. Hand washing facilities along with provision of soap shall be ensured
7. For ensuring queue management, inside and outside the premises, specific markings on the floor with a gap of 6 feet may be made. Similarly, physical distancing shall also be maintained in staff rooms, office areas (including reception area), and other places (mess, libraries, cafeterias, etc.).
8. Weather permitting, outdoor spaces may be utilized for conducting teacher student interactions, keeping in view the safety and security of students and physical distancing protocols.
9. Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited.
10. Schools should display State helpline numbers and also numbers of local health authorities etc. to teachers /students / employees to contact in case of any emergency.
11. For air-conditioning/ventilation wherever applicable, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30° C, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate.
12. Lockers of students will remain in use, as long as physical distancing and regular disinfection is maintained.
13. Gymnasiums shall follow the provisions of the SOPs enclosed as Annexure-D to Order NO.CSO/GAB-I/COM/GEN-I/2020/(A) dated 31st August 2020 (available at: https://covidl9.nagaland.^ov.in/docs/1600410622.pdft.
14. Swimming Pool (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.

b)         Planning and scheduling of activities

            All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the students.

iGOT online modules training course on 'basic awareness on COVID'

(https://diksha.gov.in/igot/explore-course/course/do_31301G389971255296164) may be undertaken by all employee and students on the first day.

c)         Availability and management of supplies

1. Appropriate back-up stock of personal protection items like face covers/masks, visors, hand sanitizers etc. shalkbe made available by school managements to teachers and employees.
2. Provide adequate supply of thermal guns, alcohol wipes or 1% sodium hypochlorite solutions and disposable paper tov/els., soap, IEG materials on COVID.
3. Pulse oximeter to check oxygen saturation levels of any symptomatic person must be arranged.
4. Ensure availability of sufficient covered dustbins andtrashcans.
5. Provision for proper disposal of used personal protective items and general waste in accordance with CPCB guidelines (available at: https://cpcb.nic.in/uploads/Projects /Bio-Medical-Waste/BMW- GUIDELINES-COVID I.pdf) shall be made.
6. Housekeeping employees to be informed & trained about norms for waste management & disposal

4.2       AFTER OPENING OF SCHOOLS

a)         At the entry point

1. Entrance to have mandatory hand' hygiene (sanitizer dispenser/hand washing facilities) and thermal screening provisions. Multiple gates/separate gates, if feasible, should be used for entry and exit.
2. Only asymptomatic persons (teachers, employees and students) to be allowed in the premises. If a teacher /employee /student is found to be symptomatic, he/she should ~>e referred to nearest health center.
3. Posters/standees on preventive measures about C0VID-.19 to be displayed prominently.
4. Proper crowd management in the parking lots, in corridors and in elevators - duly following physical distancing norms shall be organized.
5. Entry of visitors should be strictly regulated/restricted.

b)         Conduct of activities in the rooms or open spaces within the school campus

1. Seating arrangement to ensure a distance of 6 feet between chairs desks etc.
2. Staggering of activities to be done, with separate timings/slots, to allow for adequate physical distancing and disinfection of classroom premises.
3. The teaching faculty will ensure that they themselves and students wear masks throughout the conduct of the teaching/guidanceactivities.
4. Sharing of items like notebook, pens/pencil, eraser, water bottle etc. amongst student should not be allowed.

c)         Conduct of skill based training in workshops /laboratories

1. For practical activities in laboratories maximum capacity per session based on redesigned spaces, may be planned and scheduled accordingly.
2. Ensure that the equipments have been disinfected, particularly the frequently touched surfaces before and after each use.
3. Ensure a floor area of 4m2per person is available for working on equipment/workstation.
4. Ensure that members sanitize their hands/ wash with soap before and after using training equipment. For such purpose hand sanitizer /hand washing facility should be provided at workstations/simulation labs etc.

d)         Activities in common areas - library, me.ss/canteen, common rooms, gymnasium etc.

1. Physical distancing of 6 feet needs to be maintained
2. Persons using the common areas need to use mask/face cover all the time
3. Cafeteria/mess facility, if any within the premises, shall remain closed.

e)         Transportation to and from the institution:

            If transportation facility is being managed by the school, proper physical distancing, sanitization of buses/other transport vehicles (with 1% sodium hypochlorite) shall be ensured.

4.3       Hygiene and Sanitation

1. Daily cleaning/sanitization of the floors shall be taken up.
2. Provision of soap in toilets and hand sanitizers in other common areas insufficient quantity must be ensured.
3. Cleaning and regular disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, elevator buttons, handrails, chairs, benches, washroom fixtures, etc.) t;o be made mandatory in all classrooms, laboratories, lockers, parking areas, other common areas etc. before beginning of classes and at the end of the day.
4. Teaching materials, computers, laptops, printers, shall be disinfected with 70% alcohol wipes.
5. Deep cleaning of all drinking and hand washing stations, washrooms and lavatories shall be ensured.
6. Students and employees should be advised to dispose of used lace covers / masks in separate covered bins placed in classrooms, workstations and other common areas. The same may remain stored in the bins for 3 days and disposed of as dry general solid waste after cutting/shredding.
7. Students should not be involved in any of the cleaning activities for health safety reasons.

5.         Risk Communication

1. Create awareness to ensure that the students do not gather when leaving the school and in their free time.
2. Sensitize students, parents, teachers and employees to create awareness on COV1D appropriate behavior, as detailed under generic measures above.
3. If a student, teacher or employee is sick, they should not come to the school and follow necessary protocols in this regard.

6.         Psycho-social wellbeing

1. Ensure regular counseling is done for students and teachers reporting mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
2. It is advisable that teachers, school counselors and school health workers should work in unison to ensure emotional safety of students.

7.         SOP to be followed in case a student/teacher/employee develops symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty in breathing)

1. Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from other.
2. Inform parents/guardians as the case may be.
3. Patient will remain isolated while wearing a mask/face cover till such time they are examined by a doctor.
4. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/clinic) or call the State or District Helpline.
5. A risk assessment shall be undertaken by the District Task Force and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, their contacts and need for disinfection.
6. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.

8.         Any violation of the provisions of the above SOP will attract action as per legal provisions against the management of the school/institution.

                                                                                   

Prevention measures to be followed while conducting the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) & Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Examinations 2021 to contain the spread of COVID-19

            In view of need for taking measures for preventing and containing the spread of COVID-19 during the conduct of examinations for the safety of students, teachers, staff, employees, and all others concerned; the undersigned in exercise of the powers, conferred under Section 22 (2) (b) and Section 22 (2) (h) of the Disaster Management Act 2005, in the capacity of Chairperson, State Executive Committee, hereby issues the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the conduct of HSLC and HSSLC examinations, 2021 on the preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19, as annexed, for strict compliance by all concerned throughout the State of Nagaland.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Prevention measures to be followed while conducting the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) & Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Examinations 2021 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

1.         Pre conduct of examination:-

            Centre Superintendent will make following preparations in getting ready the examination Centre for the conduct of examination:-

1. 1. Entire Examination Centre will be disinfected by spraying the disinfection liquid of 1% Sodium Hypochlorite on all tables, desk, floors, walls, doors, gates, washrooms etc.
   2. All door handles and staircase railing will be disinfected.
   3. Whenever candidate with Special Needs are appearing in the examination, their supportive material like sticks, wheelchair etc. be disinfected.
   4. All dust bins be made clean and get ready for its use by fitting disposable garbage bag.
   5. The sick/medical room should be kept ready by providing minimum desired drugs and other essential items like face mask, clean bed etc. Proper instructions should also be displayed how to treat any patient during the conduct of examination with all precautions.
   6. A doctor may be arranged on call basis in case of emergency.
   7. Proper marking on ground to maintain social distancing outside the entry gate and at other locations wherever it is required.
   8. Advisory instructions be displayed outside the examination Centre and inside the Examination Centre to guide the candidates and their parents to follow the instructions strictly.
   9. A meeting with the staff to be assigned invigilation and other duties in the examinations should be convened well ahead where they should be guided about the guidelines to be followed and for the preparation to be made by them in the examination centre.
   10. Allow cross ventilation of air in the examination rooms/halls.
   11. Sitting arrangements will be as per the NBSE guidelines and as given in page 4 of this SOP.
   12. Canteen facility may not be made available to the candidate during the conduct of examination.

2.         Conduct of examination:-

2.1       Candidates will be allowed to enter in the examination centres by maintaining social distancing norms.

2.2       Candidates be allowed to sit on their allotted seat one by one by maintaining social distancing.

2.3       Out of the two or more Invigilators, one will remain outside the examination room to control and guide the candidates and one inside the room to control and guide the candidates. Once, all the candidates are settled, they may be instructed to adhere to the guidelines informed to them by the Board.

2.4       Invigilator will distribute the Answer booklets from the back side of the room so that their faces will remain in the same direction as that of the candidates.

2.5       The Question Papers will also be distributed in the similar manner.

2.6       While verifying the particulars in the front page of the answer booklets, taking attendance, social distancing norms will be maintained strictly and all will use their own pen.

2.7       Similar precaution be taken while Answer booklets are collected at the end of examination.

2.8       If, invigilator is required to assist the candidate to resolve any issue, they will need to sanitize their hands before and afterwards.

2.9       Once the examination is over, one by one candidate be allowed to leave the room by maintaining social distancing norms.

2.10     All the candidates be directed before the examination is over that they will immediately leave the examination centre after the examination is over and will not gather in group neither inside nor outside the Examination Centre.

2.11     Candidates will also ensure that they do not leave any article in the examination room.

2.12     Candidates will not shake hands or hug their peers.

3.         Post conduct of examination:-

3.1         All safety guidelines to be maintained while Answer booklets are deposited in office/control room.

3.2         All officials will ensure social distancing norms.

3.3         Record shall be maintained of all officials assigned the responsibility of conduct of examination for any future need.

4.         Instructions for officials on duty:-

4.1         As soon as functionaries reach the examination centre/venue, they will first wash their hands with soap and water.

4.2         They will carry hand sanitizer alongwith them.

4.3         They will carry their own drinking water.

4.4         They should try to avoid contact with unknown persons.

4.5         Functionaries will throw used tissue/face mask into closed bins immediately after use.

4.6         Everyone will maintain proper hygiene in toilets during and after use.

4.7         They should not touch eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

4.8         They will refrain themselves from spitting in the examination rooms/examination halls and public places.

5.         Arrangement at Entry/Exit Gate:

5.1          Based on the number of candidates appearing in the examination, multiple entry/exit points, if need be, be made available for the entry/exit of the candidates.

5.2          Demarcation may be made outside the entry gate for maintaining social distancing for the candidates when reporting/leaving the examination.

5.3          Physical frisking of the candidates may be done by the teachers wearing masks and gloves.

5.4          No parents be allowed to enter in the school campus and instruction may also be displayed outside the examination centre for the parents to ensure social distancing norms and wear mask.

6.         Arrangement in Examination Rooms:-

6.1       The face of all the candidates needs to be in one direction only. Invigilators will invigilate during examination from the backside of the room so that their face would be in the same direction as that of the candidates.

6.2       Invigilators and all the candidates in the room should cover the face with mask.

6.3       Doors of the examination rooms will remain open for cross ventilation.

6.4       Candidates are allowed to bring their own transparent water bottle.

6.5       Candidates will refrain themselves from interchanging or loaning any stationery items etc.

6.6       Only 1 (one) candidate be allowed to use the facility of the toilet at a time.

7.         Instructions for PWD Candidates:-

7.1       In case, scribe is allowed, both the candidate and scribe will wear face mask and hand gloves.

7.2       All items used by the PWD candidate will be sanitized.

7.3       A separate room be allotted for examination of such candidates.

8.         Seating arrangement may be made in the following manner:

            In the examination centres, seating arrangement of the examinees may be made by observing social distancing of 6 feet as far as feasible.

9.         Instruction for the candidates:

9.1       Candidate are permitted to carry the following items:

9.1.1    A pocket hand sanitizer (50 ml) in transparent bottle

9.1.2    Mask to cover the face is mandatory

9.1.3    Transparent water bottle for their personnel use.

9.1.4    Admit card, Card board etc.          

9.2       Candidates will cover their nose and mouth with mask.

9.3       Candidates will follow social distancing norms strictly.

9.4       Candidates will carry their own drinking water.

9.5       Candidates will not exchange or loan articles.

9.6       Candidates will use safe mode of transportation for coming to the examination centre and returning back home.

9.7       Candidates will follow all instructions displayed in school and communicated to them.

9.8       Candidates should try to avoid contact with unknown persons.

9.9       Candidates will throw used tissue/face mask into closed bins immediately after use.

9.10     Candidates will maintain proper hygiene in toilets during and after use.

9.11     Candidates should not touch eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands or hug at any cost while greeting.

9.12     Candidates will refrain themselves from spitting in classrooms/examination halls and public places.

9.13     Candidates will seek advice on COVID from their parents while coming to appear for the examination.

10.       Instructions for Parents:

10.1     They should ensure that their ward is carrying pocket hand sanitizer in transparent bottle, hand gloves, transparent drinking water bottle and only other permissible stationary items while going to the examination centre.

10.2     They should ensure that their ward has covered nose and mouth with face mask.

10.3     They should guide their ward to follow social distancing norms strictly.

10.4     They should instruct their ward not to exchange or loan articles.

10.5     They should ensure that their ward used safe mode of transportation for going to the examination centre and returning back home.

10.6     They should instruct their ward to follow all instructions displayed in school and communicated to them.

10.7     In case their ward is not feeling well, they should consult the doctor and act as per the advice given to him/her.

10.8     They should instruct their ward to avoid contact with unknown persons.

10.9     They should instruct their ward to throw used tissue/face mask into closed bins immediately after use.

10.10   They should guide their ward on the other important guidelines/SOPs issued by Government to avoid spreading of COVID-19 and to protect themselves.

10.11   All stakeholders will follow other guidelines/SOPs issued by Government from time to time.

10.12   Any violation of the provisions of the above SOP will attract action as per legal provisions against the management, employees or staff as the case may be.

 

                                                                                                (DIPR)