The Ministry of Education (MoE) has made it mandatory for teachers to wear face-masks when in classrooms and should always be at least one meter away from students while returning for face-to-face learning during the new school year, which begins in September.

Authorities have further advised students to avoid shaking hands while greeting others and exchange school equipment with care when using personal protective equipment.

In their latest schools’ guide, the MoE said that when pupils return for lessons on campuses, the educational institutions should follow protocols to protect the entire school community, led out authorities.

They emphasized the need to adhere to the physical distance of one meter between students in classrooms, laboratories, and learning resource rooms and follow the same distancing norms in other facilities.

“Daily temperature checks for students, teachers, administrative staff and service providers such as guards and cleaners is mandatory before entering the educational facilities. The temperature should be below 37.5 degrees Celsius.” said authorities. 

The MoE also noted that teachers, students and other school workers need to wear face-masks all the time while on the school campus, except for pupils under the age of six.

“It is good thing for students and school employees to carry with them two face-masks when going to school every day so that one of the masks is used in the morning and the second during the afternoon,” the officials added.

“All face-masks should be disposed of in the bins designated for medical wastes.”

Students and teachers were also told to ensure that they do not come into close contact with infected persons at least two weeks before the start of school hours.

The ministry has called on educational institutions to provide guiding and awareness to students, parents and school workers on the importance of complying with Covid-19 precautionary measures, including physical distancing, washing and sanitizing hands, for the safety of pupils.

Khaleej Times