Protocols for Access Points
Access Points
An access point is a point where one can enter or exit the school premises, such as a main gate, parking entrance, etc.
All access points shall be designated as either an entry or an exit to privilege one-way directionality. If unfeasible, a priority direction should be designated at specific times of the day (i.e. incoming direction on arrival; outgoing direction on departure – with, for example, an arrow sign to indicate the priority direction).
To maximize flow, schools are recommended to use as many access points as possible, preferably by designating access points to different groups according to proximity to their classroom to minimize mixing. For example, if access point A is closer to the Cycle 1 areas and access point B is closer to the Cycle 2 areas, designate access point A for only Cycle 1 students and access point B for only Cycle 2 students.
Hand sanitizing gel dispensers shall be installed (preferably contactless) at every access point for obligatory use by every person entering the premises.
Queuing areas at all access points must be demarcated with standing intervals 1 m apart.
Access points shall be manned by trained personnel to oversee flow and enforce the precautionary measures.
Fingerprint check-in devices for staff shall not be used at this time, and alternative contactless methods such as remote ID verification is recommended.
Temperature Screening
Non-contact temperature screening shall be held for each person when entering the school or taking the bus. To maximize flow, schools are advised to install thermal scanners in an indoor area at the main access points. Infrared thermometers are not suitable for access points with heavy circulation but may be used for less frequented access points. Persons with temperatures of 37.5 C or higher should be screened again with a handheld infrared thermometer and transferred to the isolation area upon confirmation of fever for further follow up as per the incident management protocol.
Staggered Entry/Exit
Entry/exit shall be staggered, with limited crossover between students arriving by private transportation and bus-riders.
Arrival and departure times for each group, alongside the protocol for entering and exiting shall be clearly communicated to parents.
Students of Determination may have designated arrival and departure points and measures in place to accommodate specific needs. These should be developed and discussed through the risk assessment and development of an IEP.
Students of Determination and their parents should be made aware of the arrival and departure points and the process entailed in arrival and departure, included timing. Where necessary, timings may need to be adapted slightly by 5-10 minutes to provide a quieter, calmer arrival and departure dependent upon need. This may need to be communicated in a differentiated manner according to age, ability, and behavioral needs of the student.
Accompanying Parents/Guardians
Students may be accompanied until the access point (without parents/guardians entering the premises) by a maximum of 1 parent/guardian during drop off or pick up.
For students in Grade 1/Year 2 and below, the parent/guardian may accompany the student beyond the gates to the classrooms provided the parent/guardian meets the health requirements for entry. This discretion should be used sparingly and only in cases where the child is showing signs that he/she is unable to stay in school without the parent. Parents should observe all precautionary measures that are imposed on all staff.
The parent/guardian may be accompanied by younger siblings provided neither the parent nor siblings come into contact with other students.
It is recommended that parents do not remain in/near classrooms for longer than 10 minutes.
Isolation Area
An isolation area close to the main access point should be installed for students who did not pass screening to wait to be picked up by their parent/guardian. This isolation area is simply a closed waiting area and is different from the quarantine room. The only requirement is that facemasks and sanitizers be available. It is also recommended to have some form of touchless distraction (i.e. a TV or screen) or toys and books that can be easily disinfected. The isolation area and all objects within should be cleaned and disinfected after use.