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No mask, no class: West Bengal government advisory to colleges ahead of reopening

The West Bengal higher education department has issued a list of guidelines for the safe reopening of colleges and universities across the state from November 16. 

The advisory mentions mandatory wearing of masks and strict social distancing among other safety measures.

All colleges and universities have been asked to take necessary steps for cleaning and sanitising campuses and maintaining strict COVID-19 protocol by the first week of November. Institutes have also been advised to conduct awareness campaigns regarding COVID-19, how the infection spreads, common symptoms and measures to contain its spread.

What institutes need to do

• Train teachers and staff on COVID-19 safety norms.
• Allow students into the campus only after thermal scanning and hand sanitising. Symptomatic people should not be allowed to enter the campus.
• Set  up isolation facilities for symptomatic persons and quarantine facilities for those who were in contact with  COVID-19 patients. Tie-ups may be made in advance with government hospitals.
• Prepare a policy for restricting outsiders on campus.
• Maintain clean and hygienic conditions at all places, including hostel kitchens, mess, washrooms, libraries, classrooms etc.
• Put up clear signage prominently to remind all stakeholders to maintain social distance.
• Display details of the institute’s COVID-19 cell with emergency and helpline numbers.
• Arrange multiple sanitisation points on campus. 

Safety measures at entry/exit points:

• Adequate arrangement of thermal scanners, sanitisers, face masks.
• Crowding must be avoided.

Safety measures in classrooms:

• Proper sanitisation of all learning sites.
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces to be made mandatory in all classrooms, laboratories, lockers and other common areas.
• Seating areas in classes, laboratories, computer labs, libraries should be clearly marked according to social distancing norms.
• ‘No mask, no class’ rule should be maintained.

Safety measures inside hostels:

• Limit the number of boarders to avoid crowding, Students can be called in phases.
• Density in dining halls, common rooms, and playing areas should be limited.
• Hygiene conditions should be regularly monitored in kitchens, dining halls, bathrooms and toilets.
• Meals should be served in batches to avoid crowding.
• Isolation facility for COVID-positive boarders.

To read the detailed guidelines, click here.