The world around us has been under lockdown for over more than a year now. Post the second wave, things have been normalizing now, with the economy opening up. Offices and public places have been gradually opening up, with a step being taken towards opening up of the schools too for the students. States have been given the liberty to reopen schools looking at the conditions near them and ensure the full safety of the students within the school premises. But the main question that lies is whether it is safe to re-open the schools for that section of the society which is still not eligible for vaccination?

Studies show that the younger lot of students is less likely to be affected by Covid-19 as compared to the teenagers. The states have, however, decided to open schools for the students of the teenagers, still not being clear about when to start their vaccination drive to protect them too from the disease. But looking at the broader picture, keeping the schools closed for a larger time can hamper the social, mental and physical development of the student. Schools are an essential social service and the students should not be deprived of them. They provide a safe and supportive environment for students of all ages to learn and grow, along with providing employment opportunities for the teachers, administration staff along bus and auto vendors. One important factor that works in favour of students with inequitable access to internet facilities or not having access to mobile phones and laptops, is that they will be physically able to go to schools and learn from the teachers in the classroom environment. This will help them build upon the knowledge and provide them an equitable platform to grow, which was earlier, perhaps being unavailable to them.  

There can be few areas that can be delved into before fully opening the schools. The community transmission rate along with the rate of the safety of school-going students should be analyzed after proper and detailed studying. The schools should be checked for adequate spacing so that physical distancing can be done along with two-time sanitization. Along with that, regular monitoring of the temperatures of students, looking for any symptoms if they develop, isolation rooms in every school, etc. should be checked. Parents should be sent notices regarding safety precautions that would be taken by the school so that they are assured of their kids’ safety. Along with that, parents should be told to send the kids to the school wearing a mask and carrying a sanitizer bottle. The students should be instructed to maintain physical distance within and outside the school premises, along with only single students being allowed a washroom break at a time, to minimize the risk of transmission. 

Regular visits should be made by the government authorities to check if precautions are taken. Regular mobilization among the students should be done to promote social distancing, the importance of wearing a mask and carrying sanitizers. Teachers should constantly monitor the students and make them aware of the importance of these precautions. Regular talks with the students should be done to check their mental stress and their overall well-being. A well-organized and monitored plan regarding reopening of the schools can work wonders for the students and develop their overall well-being, which has stagnated for the past one and a half years.