Importance of PPE in school: –
When the pandemic gripped the whole world, educational institutions around the globe shut down. Millions of students stayed at home and missed school. With passage of time it was realized that the pandemic is here to stay. Education providers resorted to online system for imparting education.
The pandemic has led institutions to discover new methods and possibilities of teaching methodologies. Some schools have planned for online classes till the time vaccine is launched. However, in the recent past many schools across the US have started reopening. There are other institutions that take a carry forth a hybrid model of learning whereby students shall attend school physically as well as continue with online classes. Health authorities have stated it very clearly that if schools are to reopen, strict measures must be taken to ensure safety for students and teaching staff. PPE back to school kit is essential in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
PPE kit for school is especially important as the research suggests that children might be carrying the virus without showing any symptoms. This can be dangerous as they might be spreading the virus without even knowing. Class rooms, hostel rooms, play grounds and libraries are some of the places where virus can potentially spread. Not to forget, school vans and buses also have students sitting close together, increasing the risk of spreading virus. Hence importance of PPE back to school kit cannot be undermined.
PPE kit for school: –
Here are some PPE back to school kit essentials for students, teachers and the school environment as a whole.
- Hand sanitizer: –
One of the most important PPE kit for school equipments, hand sanitizer is a must for everyone to carry at all times. Students, teachers and administrative staff of schools must also keep pocket sanitizers with them. It helps kill germs and bacteria and maintain good hand hygiene.
- Masks: –
Face masks are also very important when you are out of home. In places such as schools and colleges where a large number of people are gathered together, face masks are vital in protecting against the virus. Cloth masks are easily available and are quite affordable. You can wash them regularly without much inconvenience. Apart from cloth mask, there are disposable 3-ply masks for children. Make sure you send extra masks with your child in case one gets soiled or damaged.
- Face shields: –
Face shields provide an increased level of protection against the virus by covering eyes as well. It hinders infected droplets from touching your face by covering it holistically. Moreover, it prevents you from touching your face eliminating the chances of spreading virus through the touch of contaminated hands.
- Thermometer: –
For any public place, temperature check is a must even at schools and colleges. Many schools and colleges check the temperature at the entrance door so that anyone indicating fever shall be stopped from entering the premises. A non-contact thermometer that screens temperature fast shall be good enough to allow screening a number of students quickly and accurately.
- Gloves: –
Gloves also provide an additional level of protection against the virus. These are especially important for school canteen staff, janitorial workers and other support staff. Vinyl gloves are easily available. They provide sufficient protection against potentially contaminated surfaces. Nitrile compound gloves or full nitrile gloves are more durable and thicker than vinyl gloves providing better protection. However, these are more expensive.
- Disinfectant spray: –
Disinfectant spray is one of the most important parts of PPE kit for school. It is very crucial to disinfect surfaces regularly to eliminate harmful germs, bacteria and viruses. A cool mist fogger is a very useful equipment to disinfect classrooms and spaces sufficiently.
Coronavirus awareness posters and reminders: –
Apart from PPE back to school kit, it is important to make use of colorful and attractive posters to remind children of how important it is to maintain hand hygiene, social distance and wear mask to prevent the spread of virus. All such efforts shall make reopening of schools a safe and sound step.
