Thermal screening, face shields: Here’s how schools reopened in other countries

Schools are gradually reopening all over the world as there’s a noted dip in the Covid-19 cases. Some states in India reopened educational institutes in a phased manner from September 2020. Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are some states where schools have partially resumed physical classes, giving up their dependence on online education.

Now taking a look at the rest of the world, how schools have tackled the Covid-19 pandemic to resume physical classes:

No masks in Denmark, Canada

Several countries have made face masks compulsory for students visiting schools. But Denmark has steered clear of this practice. Students have been asked to wash their hands and sanitise study materials on a regular basis. Parents have been asked to use different entrances and maintain staggered timings. In Canada, students are asked to use visors or face shields instead of masks.

Plexiglass in the Netherlands, strict social distancing in Switzerland 

In the Netherlands, disinfectant gel dispensers are being used at school doorways, and desks are separated by plexiglass and plastic shields. Switzerland has ensured a distance of at least two metres between desks. Several schools have installed additional toilets and sinks to avoid crowding.

Mandatory thermal screening, swab collection in China

Students and staff members in China have to undergo mandatory thermal screening before entering schools. And Wuhan schools are collecting swab samples of all students.