The department of public instruction on Wednesday released a circular stating the SOPs to be followed by government, aided and private schools as they welcome students to the school. 

 

Up to October 30, 2021, schools will function for half a day from 10 am to 1.30 pm. However, from November 2, full-day classes will commence. Midday meals will also be resumed for students from November 2. 

 

Students must be taught in groups of 20 to avoid overcrowding or a 50% occupancy must be maintained in classrooms to ensure safe distance. The department has said that similar protocols as those followed for higher classes are to be followed while children enter and exit the premises, use washrooms and protocols are to be adhered to ensure thorough sanitization. 

 

The order also specifies that the government is yet to allow reopening in-person classes for LKG and UKG students. All Karnataka Public schools, private and aided schools have been asked to await further orders regarding the same. 

 

Even as the department has asked schools to commence offline classes, attendance is not mandatory. Even as the government mentions in its order that students need not attend mandatorily attend in-person classes, there is no clarity on whether online classes will have to be continued by schools. Students choosing to attend in-person classes must get written consent from their parents.