THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The General Education Department has eased the restrictions on the conduction of classes in schools in the context of COVID-19. The decision was taken during a review meeting attended by the director of General Education and other concerned officials.

The relaxations are:

• Two children can sit on a bench
• Schools with less than 100 students can conduct classes for everyone at the same time. Covid protocols must be strictly followed in classes.
• If there are more than 100 children, a maximum of 50 per cent students can reach the school at a time.
• Classes should be arranged in the morning and afternoon. Children with travel problems can stay in the classroom until the evening.
• Students should eat food brought from their homes at their respective seats. They must follow social distancing.
• The headmaster can ask the students to come to school on Saturdays in order to clear their doubts.

All teachers who do not have a work-from-home benefit should attend school. Action would be taken against those teachers who absent themselves.