The gradual start of the new school year in Azerbaijan's secondary schools from September 15 has raised concerns among teachers and students, as well as parents, about the virus. Although the vast majority of parents want classes to be traditional, they are wary of sending their children to school because of the risk of infection.
But how to fight the virus in schools? What should you pay attention to in order to avoid infection in classrooms?
Speaking to Publika.az, chief infectious disease specialist Jalal Isayev said that the daily temperature of teachers and students should be measured, medical masks should be used, as well as preventive measures should be taken in schools where coronavirus will be registered. should follow the recommendations. If classes are opened, the reduction of density is also taken into account. Primary classes will still attend classes 2-3 times a week. Probably, the ministry will ensure that students wait for the social distance in the classrooms. In addition, the number of students in the classroom will decrease. Other issues fall on parents and students. Anyone who suspects a virus or comes in contact with an infected person will be tested. The general conduct of tests is incorrect. If a person becomes infected in the classroom, he or she should be removed from school immediately and those in contact with him or her should be quarantined. Because other students are more likely to be infected. The school does not know if the infected person has been in contact with others. Students must be careful here. "
According to education expert Elchin Efendi, if a teacher or student is found to be infected in any class 2-3 days after the start of a lesson, all students in that class should be quarantined: “The traditional continuation of that class should be stopped and distance learning should take place. However, it is planned to check the temperature of students using special devices. Accordingly, if the temperature is above 37 degrees, the student will not be allowed to class. In addition, they must come to class with a protective mask. The use of masks by students in the lower age group is not recommended. Teachers should also take precautions. Classrooms will be disinfected every day.
What practices are leading countries using to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection in secondary schools?
Efendi said that classes in Russia started in the traditional way, there was no requirement to wear a mask and maintain social distance in classrooms: “However, if there is an infection among students in Russian schools, the country will switch to distance education. In Germany, Belgium and other European countries, there is a requirement to use a mask for certain age groups. We have also benefited from the experience of these countries. If there is an infection in these countries, classes will be suspended and all students will be tested. I suggest that if an infection is registered in any class, distance education should be applied only to the class, not to the whole school. ”
The expert noted that in the current situation, there are favorable conditions to reduce the number of students: “There are classes with more than 44 students. However, this can lead to a shortage of teachers. Note that the number of classrooms is not large and it will not be possible to build and put into operation modular schools in the coming days. Classes will start at the previous hour, and in this case, the infection of students is inevitable. I suggest that students go to classes not after the time when people go to work, but after 10 at the latest. In this case, the infection will be reduced. "
There has been a significant increase in the number of people infected with the coronavirus as a result of a return to traditional education in high schools and universities in the United States. Coronavirus infection has been detected in high schools and universities in at least 37 states. In total, more than 25,000 students and workers are said to be infected with COVID-19.