Pune: Colleges and universities in Pune are gearing up for the reopening after being closed since March last year amid pandemic. However, from now re-opened colleges will be different from what they used to be. To ensure safety from the further spread of the infection, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared special guidelines.
While colleges and other educational institutes are set to reopen in Pune, PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) Commissioner in an order issued on Thursday said, “All non-agricultural universities, deemed universities, self-financed universities, and all colleges affiliated to the universities are set to reopen in Pune from February 15 (Monday). Thus, all must follow the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) issued by the state government.”
Universities and other educational institutions around the country were shut since March, last year when the government declared a countrywide lockdown as one of the measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also declared the guidelines for students, teachers and other staff of the educational institutes to restrict the further spread of the COVID-19. Check them below:
The physical distancing of at least six feet to be followed as far as feasible
Use of face masks is mandatory.
Frequent handwashing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds).
Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves the strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing of used tissues properly.
Spitting shall be strictly prohibited
Installation and use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised wherever feasible.
To avoid the risk of transmission, the students, faculty and staff should be screened and symptomatic ones are advised to get clinically assessed before allowing them entry into the campus.
For those who have tested positive, isolation facilities should be in place either on-campus itself or as a prior arrangement with some nearby hospital(s) or as advised by the local authorities.
Teaching hours in a day may be extended, as per requirements of the institution.
Six-day schedule may be followed so that classes can be conducted in phases and the seating arrangement be made keeping in view the requirements of physical distancing.
An adequate supply of water in toilets and for hand- washing should be ensured.