New regulations are also coming into effect for schools. But, these have nothing to do with what's written in the state of emergency laws. The new rules for school are contained in a lengthy set of guidelines which was released today. They delineate the specific regulations for all schools countrywide. Jules Vasquez had a look today:
The 27 page document provides detailed guidelines for school operation.
It outlines what is called a hierarchy of controls, to create an education system that is safe, and where the risk of transmission of infection is substantially reduced.
It requires strict hand washing protocols, good respiratory hygiene, the cleaning of surfaces, and physical distancing, which means minimizing contact between school children. This can include changing up the classroom layout and even the timetables, to, for example, have kids going on break at different times - so that everyone doesn't rush into the school yard.
And hand washing is a major part of this. The guidelines say schools should have sufficient sanitary hand washing stations to allow for frequent handwashing by the number of students and staff on the school compound at any one time. And the school has to have one of these stations right at the entrance for those coming inside the compound.
On social distance, the guidelines say schools are expected to arrange educational spaces and offices and manage movement of students, staff and visitors to meet physical distancing protocols.
Also, classrooms have to have proper ventilation/circulation of indoor and outdoor air. And children should be seated three to six feet apart, and where that can't happen, Physical barriers or partitions are installed in office areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart. And where distance cannot be maintained, the school should adjust its schedules, to allow for a shift system, staggering of arrival and departure times, breaks and lunch.
There are also detailed guideline for disinfecting schools on a regular basis.
The guidelines even say that Cleaning staff should be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Now, there is also a protocol for the PPE's, and even a protocol for how to mop a classroom. It's called the two bucket method and it shows cleaners what patterns they should use when sweeping and mopping.
But it's not all distancing and cleaning, the guidelines also call for psycho social support, noting that "Life, especially during challenging times such as in the current pandemic, can be unpredictable and even stressful at times…"
A lesson that we're all learning everyday - and the hope is that the social experience and the routine of school will reduce that stress for kids.
The guidelines have been sent to all schools for implementation in August.
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