With Years 8 to 13 students returning to school today, the Ministry of Education is yet to clarify how two metres physical distancing will be maintained in classrooms and whether there will be enough space to accommodate everyone since we have 35 to 40 to even 45 students in some classrooms.
According to the Safe School Re-opening Guideline, classrooms should be organised for staggered entry and exit plans, return to classes and break times.
It states that classrooms should be arranged to ensure two metres physical distancing can be observed as much as possible.
The guideline says all staff and students are to wear masks during school hours and breaks.
Students will also be required to maintain the two metres distancing when standing in the queue or when they are being served in a canteen.
It further says heads of schools must ensure that cleaning of classrooms is a routine practice and cleaning supplies can be purchased from the Free Education Grant allocation.
All schools must have basic Personal Protection Equipment especially when dealing with a student who is clearly symptomatic which include gowns, gloves and face shields.
According to the guideline, children with medical conditions are to remain at home if supported with written evidence from a registered medical practitioner.
It says the evidence must include the dates during which a student must remain at home and they will be provided with work to complete at home.
We have sent questions to the Ministry of Education regarding the COVID-safe protocols in schools and how they will be implemented. They are yet to respond.
