The Health Ministry has prepared and submitted standard operating procedures (SOP) to the government and Education Ministry, should the schools reopen. According to the Health Minister, the decision to reopen schools will, however, be taken by the government.
The Health Minister said the ministry has carried out a risk assessment in reopening the schools. Lyonpo said risks will result from contact intensity, number of contacts and modification potential. With this, the ministry has included in the SOP that should be followed by everyone.
“To reopen a shop or school or anything, there are three mandatory things. Firstly it is to use Druk Trace app or to register. Secondly the need for hand washing facilities in the area. Similarly to give regular advocacy on COVID-19,” said Dechen Wangmo, the Health Minister.
In particular with schools and institutions, the Health Ministry has mentioned the need to have a focal person for COVID-19 who will directly report to the ministry in case of any COVID-19 related matters.
Lyonpo said schools need to follow the guidelines prepared by the ministry which includes “maintaining physical distance, modifying class time, class size and classrooms, ensuring proper ventilations in the class, no activities requiring large gathering, use of open space for any unavoidable gathering, rearrangement of hostels and dining halls so that you have enough physical distancing, daily health screening and monitoring and restricting visitors.”
Lyonpo added there should be an isolation room identified in every school should any students fall ill. The schools should also identify quarantine facility in case of an outbreak.
Kinley Dem
