SOPs issued for univs, colleges reopening from October 15

The universities will open only for PhD research scholars and postgraduate students who need to carry out practical in laboratories.

LUCKNOW : After allowing reopening of universities and other higher educational institutions in UP from October 15, the state government on Tuesday issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent spread of Sars-CoV-2 infection at these institutions. The universities will open only for PhD research scholars and postgraduate students who need to carry out practical in laboratories. The detailed SOPs were issued by the higher education department and sent to registrars of all the universities in the state.

They include measures to be taken before resuming academic activities. It is mandatory for the educational institutions to maintain safe distance of 6 feet, ensure use of masks, handwash and report any incident of infection to the authorities concerned.

Before reopening the universities, officials must ensure proper sanitisation of campuses. The universities must avoid biometric attendance and make proper arrangements for entry and exit of students from separate gates.

An academic calendar is a must for all institutions and all old and pregnant women employees must be discouraged to come in direct contact with people. All institutions have been asked to make thermal scanning of all students and staff at the entry point. The institutions are also required to keep an oximeter to measure oxygen level of those entering the campus.