Students, faculty must pass tests to return

Faculty and students returning from overseas must test negative for COVID-19 before returning to schools and kindergartens, the Shanghai Education Commission said on Friday.

On Thursday, the commission announced that graduating students in middle and high schools can return to campus on April 27. Universities can arrange the return of graduating students after April 27. Dates for other students will be announced later.

Schools and kindergartens are required to know the whereabouts, travel plans and health conditions of all faculty and students before their return. 

The commission also asks schools and kindergartens to stock up on masks, disposable gloves, protective outfits, disinfectants and make sure hand-washing facilities are in good condition. Thermal imaging devices should be installed at campus entrances to check people’s temperatures.

Students and teachers will have to wear masks when on public transport and in classrooms. They can take off masks for outdoor activities or when in less-crowded places on campus but have to keep a distance from each other. Schools will prepare backup masks for teachers and students in case any of them develop a fever, cough or allergy.

Educational institutions are also asked to disinfect campuses, especially public areas including classrooms, canteens, dorms, toilets, garbage rooms, elevators, offices, clinics and school buses before reopening

Food security management should be enhanced and canteens have to register staff details and their health condition when they enter and ban outsiders from entry.

Temporary observation areas should be set up on campuses, with good ventilation, separate toilets and hand-washing facilities. But the observation areas should be far from classrooms, canteens and other places easily accessible to students.

Schools and kindergartens are also asked to arrange timetables for students to enter and leave campuses in order and avoid gatherings in front of school gates.

All faculty and students need to have their identities and temperatures taken before entering schools and kindergartens. Health observation and inspection will also be carried out when students are studying on campus. Sick leave will be registered and reasons should be tracked.

All schools and kindergartens have to promote their virus-prevention schemes, emergency management plans and psychological health knowledge among faculty and students. Training and drills are also required for all faculty and students but in several batches to make them all familiar with the procedures for entering and leaving campus, temperature checks, dining and fever case treatment.

Outsiders should be banned from campuses and venues on campuses should not be open to outsiders.

Schools and kindergartens are also asked to continue providing online teaching for students and work out individual tutoring plans for students who cannot return.