Punjab School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla today reviewed arrangements in two government schools in Patiala city to gauge the ground reality for the smooth implementation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the prevention of COVID-19 prior to the opening of schools from October 19.Inspecting the preparations in line with SOPs such as marking in classrooms to maintain social distancing among children and sanitization equipments in Government Co-Ed Multipurpose Senior Secondary School, Passi Road and Government Model Senior Secondary School, Civil Lines, Mr. Singla also took stock of the basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water and disinfection process very closely.Mr. Vijay Inder Singla directed District Education Officer (S) Harinder Kaur, Principal Tota Singh National Awardee, Principal Varinder Batish, Surinder Singh Bharoor and other teachers along with him during visit, to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the government to contain the spread of Coronavirus and ensure the compliance of precautions such as wearing of mask, maintaining social distancing and constantly wash or sanitize hands for the safety of students. He said, teachers should become role model for their students during this perilous times, adding that students will follow you, while taking precautions. Mr. Singla said that every student, who wants to join classes physically, must have the written consent of his parents. He also informed that authorities have the right to call students in two shifts or alternate days in case of strength of students exceeds so that the norm of social distancing will be maintained. “We are conducting a massive sanitization campaign in school premises and hope that the campaign will be completed in two days, he added.The School Education Minister issued directions to Safai Sewaks regarding the sanitization process. He also held meetings with staff of both the schools and sought information from the principals about the ongoing development works in schools and deliberated on other requirements.