Mohiuddin Alamgir

Only two will be allowed to sit on each bench at classrooms after the reopening of primary schools, and everyone in those institutions -- students, teachers and other staffers -- will have to wear masks.

All schools will also have to ensure arrangements for hand washing and measuring body temperature.

Although it is not yet certain when schools, closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, will reopen, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has finalised a plan for the reopening, incorporating these provisions following the Covid-19 health guidelines.

The ministry yesterday asked the authorities concerned, including Directorate of Primary Education, deputy commissioners and primary education officers, to make necessary preparations in this regard, said relevant officials.

They also said the government will reopen the educational institutions when the pandemic eases.

“We have finalised the reopening plan and directed the relevant authorities to make preparations in line with the plan,” primary and mass education ministry’s Additional Secretary Alamgir Muhammad Mansurul Alam told The Daily Star.

The ministry also asked officials concerned to prepare drafts of posters and leaflets to educate students about the health rules. Those will be presented before senior officials of the ministry for approval.

Mansurul said they would also launch a campaign highlighting the health rules through the media. “We will go for the campaign only after the government takes a final decision on the reopening.”

According to the plan, school authorities can hold classes shift-wise and on alternative days to ensure physical distancing among students.