The coronavirus pandemic has introduced many new norms in our day-today lives. Social distancing and facemasks have sort have become the ‘terms’ this year. That said, the pandemic has also brought in major changes in our lifestyle. From transport systems to schools, colleges and weddings- the world is slowly adapting to a new normal. Schools across the world are slowly reopening with social distancing protocols in place.
While schools in China introduced social distancing hats, Iran students are attending classes inside tents. A photo from a school in Iran has been going viral on the internet. In the picture, students were seen sitting inside netted tents, in order to follow social distancing. On that note, here’s how UAE students are returning to school this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35txrGFFjMk
Iran Students Attend Classes Inside Transparent Tents
Sharing the snap on Twitter, Farnaz Fassihi, wrote, “School in the age of pandemic in Iran.” The photo went viral after it was shared and garnered over eight thousand likes and over three thousand retweets. However, the idea received mixed views from parents. While many were impressed by the unique approach, a few others criticized the decision of reopening schools.
School in the age of pandemic in Iran. pic.twitter.com/Gg6v7KMhbh
— Farnaz Fassihi (@farnazfassihi) September 8, 2020
Take a look at the parents’ responses:
Iran Follows Strict Discipline’ For Returning Students
President Hassan Rouhani welcomed children back to school in a video message. Schools in Iran were closed seven months ago and reopened on 12 September. Over 15 million students returned to schools, from areas which recorded low infections. Schools in red zones- where infections were high, did not reopen. Parents whose kids went to schools in yellow zone, had the option to choose from online and on-campus learning. These areas had infections, but not as high as the red zone.
Over 62% of schools in Iran resumed in-person classes, limiting the learning time to 35 minutes. Schools with more pupils are split into two groups, with one group attending school on even-numbered days, and the other on odd-numbered days.
Medical professionals also criticized the reopening of schools, as Iran is one of the worst-hit countries in the Middle East. Virtual classes are run through a state-run television channel. Meanwhile, here’s how restaurants around the world are following social distancing.