Covid-19 Protocols Checklist: What to Ask a School About Safety

As if touring schools wasn’t stressful enough, now we need to consider what Covid-19 protocols are in place. Although most requirements are mandated by the Education Commission in each school’s district, it’s good to understand what you’re getting into as a parent. Hopefully, this won’t be a concern in the near future, but better to be prepared.

Decide from the list below what matters to you and your family, and bring it up in your conversations!

Are parents allowed onto campus? What is the process?
Do students wear masks all day? At lunch? What is the process if a student will not wear a mask?
How often do students need to get nucleic acid testing?
What temperature is too high at your school?
What is the process if a child shows a high temperature or other potential signs of Covid-19?
What happens when a child is sick with a cold or other illness that is not Covid-related?
What is the process for children to take the bus?
What precautions are taken when children enter the school?
- Temperatures taken?
- Sanitizer?
- Disinfecting?
How do students eat lunch?
How often is the cafeteria cleaned? Between lunch sessions?
How often are classrooms cleaned?
How are students kept socially distanced in the classroom?
How are students kept socially distanced on the playground?
Who is in charge of the enforcing of rules?
Are children allowed to leave Beijing (these rules change as needed)?
If parents or other household members need to leave Beijing for work, how does that affect the attendance of school?
What is the vaccination policy for teachers and staff?
What happens if a student at the school is found to be positive?
What are the communication channels used in the case of an emergency at the school?