A new advisory has been issued by the state government for the higher educational institutions in the state keeping Covid19 situation in mind as classes in the colleges of Meghalaya is scheduled to begin from February 1, 2021.

After consulting with principals of educational institutions in Meghalaya, the state government issued the advisory on Wednesday keeping the health protocols in mind, said additional chief secretary DP Wahlang in a notification.

According to the notification, classes in the colleges will be held from February 1, 2021 onwards in blended mode (online/offline).

“This will include lesson transaction, assignments, online interaction, counseling, etc.”, the notification says.

Academic calendar for all classes will be as per the academic calendar to be prepared and circulated by NEHU, it said.

The colleges must follow these generic preventive measures :

*Parental consent for attending offline classes is mandatory.
*Attendance must not be enforced and must depend entirely on parental consent.
*The college administration shall consult with the stakeholders prior to reopening of classes i.e. parents, district health officials and local community.

The notification read, “College authorities are empowered to take any decision pertaining to closure of offline classes in an event of any suspected Covid-19 cases in consultation with health officials”.

The college authorities can design daily plan and duration of classes following Covid-19 protocols.

“A blended approach of 3 days classes (minimum) and 2 days for home assignment may also be considered to reduce the exposure,” it said.

*Physical distancing of at least 6 feet will have to be followed.
*Face covers/masks to be made mandatory.
*Use of soap/handwash and alcohol-based hand sanitizers will have to be maintained.
*Covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief flexed elbow to be followed.
*All work places for teaching/demonstrations, etc. needs to be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution.
*Sanitization of Colleges used as quarantine centres should be properly done.
*The colleges should display state helpline numbers and also numbers of local health authorities, etc. to teachers /students/employees to contact in case of any emergency.
*Appropriate backup stock of personal protection items like face covers/masks, visors, hand sanitizers, etc. shall be made available by management to the teachers and students, the notification says.

“Ensure availability of sufficient covered dustbins and trash cans and provision for proper disposal of used personal protective items and general waste (available at hitttps://cpcb.nic/uploads/Projects/Bio-Medical-Waste/BMW-GUIDELINES COVID_ 1.pdf),” the notification says.

Housekeeping employees to be informed and trained about norms for waste management and disposal.

“Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene sanitizer dispenser, and thermal screening provisions. Multiple gates/separate gates, if feasible, should be used for entry and exit,” it adds.

*Posters/standees on preventive measures about Covid-19 to be displayed prominently.
*Proper crowd management should be followed and entry of visitors should be strictly regulated/restricted.
*Sharing of items like notebook, pens/pencil, eraser, water bottle, etc. amongst students should not be allowed.
*Regular cleaning and disinfection (using 1% sodium hypochlorite) of frequently touched surfaces; provision of soap in toilets and hand sanitizers in other common areas in sufficient quantity must be ensured.
*Teaching material, computers, laptop, and printers shall be disinfected with 70% alcohol wipes.
Students should not be involved in any of the cleaning activities for health safety reasons.

“If a student, teacher or employee is showing Covid-I9 symptoms, they should be advised to stay home and follow necessary protocols in this regard,” the notification says.

Hostel opening guidelines are being circulated separately, it says.

“This notification shall come into force with immediate effect till further order,” the government notification further says.