Schools will reopen in September, but even if months have passed since the explosion of the coronavirus pandemic, strict rules will have to be respected to avoid a new increase in infections and the arrival of a second wave that could definitively knock out the whole country. For this reason, the Scientific Technical Committee has drafted and sent to the Government and the Ministry of Education a document on how to resume teaching activities for the next school year, underlining how important it was to close schools to contain the pandemic. In fact, the text explains that:
The suspension of teaching activities in schools of all levels was one of the most complex and painful measures precisely because of the impact on a vital axis of society; however, this sacrifice has made an essential contribution to containing the pandemic, making it possible to limit community risk and achieving the results obtained so far. It should also be remembered that the closure of schools was an early and common initiative at an international level (it is estimated that 1,5 billion students worldwide have experienced disruption from school activities) and an early reopening in some countries has led to having to reconsider the choice made too early.
Source: Cts document
Given the necessary premises, the technicians have provided guidelines for the return to the classroom that will accompany competition rules, substitutes, precarious and construction which will support the School decree approved in first reading on May 28 by the Senate.
SCHOOL, THE RULES FOR SEPTEMBER: 1) PHYSICAL DISTANCE
The first rule to follow according to the scientific technical committee is to respect physical distancing.
"The return of students to the classroom and the adoption of the necessary physical distancing represent the main criticality among the proposed measures as they require harmonization with school time (total hours of the disciplines), with the staffing and with the spaces of the school".
Document Cts
Precisely in reference to the spaces, it is underlined that school buildings, by conception and structure, often "may not allow the entire school population to be accommodated at the same time, guaranteeing the distancing indications". Added to this is the lack of staffing which will need to be redefined to reduce the number of pupils in the class.
Turning to the practical indications for teachers, administration and students, the Cts indicates in one meter the distance to be ensured inside the classrooms. The arrangement of the banks, but also of laboratories, the great hall and theaters, will therefore have to be reorganised. In the gym, the distance increases to two meters even if it is in any case preferable to provide, where possible, the performance of motor activity outdoors.
In order to respect these rules, older students (middle and high school) will be able to alternate distance learning with face-to-face lessons:
“Each institution will be able to define, by virtue of school autonomy, methods of alternation / rotation / distance learning proportionate to the age of the pupils and the overall educational context. In particular, for I and II level secondary school orders, in order to reduce the concentration of pupils in school environments, forms of distance learning may also be partially re-proposed ".
Document Cts.
For the use of common areas, such as courtyards and corridors, schools will have to follow differentiated paths that avoid gatherings. And again - outdoor recreation.
SCHOOL, THE RULES FOR SEPTEMBER: 2) STAGGERED ENTRANCES
To promote distancing and avoid gatherings at the entrance and exit, it is advisable to differentiate the accesses to the buildings. Not only for the high school students, advises the Cts, a "delayed" entrance could be envisaged, which does not coincide with the peak time of public transport. The timetable indicated is from 9 to 10, with consequent exit by 16. The younger students (elementary and middle school) they could instead enter at 8.
SCHOOL, THE RULES FOR SEPTEMBER: 3) NEVER IN CLASS WITH A FEVER
You will not have to take your temperature at the entrance, but students and staff will need to have it to enter the school a temperature below 37,5 °C for at least three days. In the first case, control will be up to the families. Hands must be washed at the entrance, while parents (except for exceptional needs) must remain outside the building. Inside the buildings there must be sanitizers available to students and school staff.
SCHOOL, THE RULES FOR SEPTEMBER: 4) MEALS
It will be necessary to prepare specific rules for meals, always in order to avoid gatherings. It is therefore recommended to schedule shifts in this case as well or, alternatively, to provide meals "in lunch boxes" to be eaten directly in class.
SCHOOL, THE RULES FOR SEPTEMBER: 5) MASK OBLIGATION
"Pupils must wear a surgical or community mask of their own for the entire stay in the school premises, subject to due exceptions (e.g. physical activity, meal break)".
Source: Cts document
It reads in the document of the Cts. Exceptions are foreseen: children under the age of six will not have to wear a mask, but it is recommended to reduce the number of people present in the classroom. In order to protect personnel, the use of gloves, eye and face protection devices to be added to the mask is recommended. No obligation to wear a mask even for pupils with disabilities "not compatible with the continuous use of the mask or those who interact with the aforementioned". For support teachers, in the event that it is not possible to respect the distances, further protections will be provided.
