The Union Ministry of Health on Wednesday released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on preventive steps such as maintaining physical distancing, mandatory use of face covers/masks, frequent hand-washing with soap at the examination centres during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Arrangements for personal protection gears like face covers/masks, and other slogistic like hand sanitisers, soap, sodium hypochlorite solution etc. have to be made by the examination centres.
Only asymptomatic staff and students can be allowed inside the examination hall.
Also, only those examination centers which are outside the containment zone shall be allowed to hold examinations while universities/ educational institutions/ examination conducting authorities/ examination centres may plan out the examination schedule in a staggered manner so as to avoid overcrowding at any examination centre on any day, as per the guidelines.
Examination centres are frequented by a large number of students (as well as their parents) and staff till the entire duration of the exam and therefore, it’s vital to plan and conduct these examinations, while following specific preventive measures, the Ministry said about the need for the guidelines.
As per the SOP, the physical distancing of at least six feet is to be followed at exam centres as far as feasible. The use of face covers/masks should be made mandatory. Frequent hand-washing with soap for at least 40-60 seconds even when hands are not visibly dirty should be practised. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers (for at least 20 seconds) can be made wherever feasible. The installation and use of Aarogya Setu App have also been advised to all, as far as feasible.
The examination centre should have a designated isolation room for isolating any person who is found symptomatic at the time of screening or during examination, till such time medical advice may be sought, says the guidelines.
Entrances of exam centres should have mandatory hand hygiene and thermal screening provisions.
If any examination functionary/examinee fails to meet the self-declaration criteria, they shall not be allowed entry.
All staff and students to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks.