Azad Jammu Kashmir Medical College

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Covid -19 forced interregnum from March 18th to Sept 15th has been a challenging time for all of us but especially for those families who entrusted us with their wards education. The Staff and Admin at AJK Medical College are cognizant of the patience exhibited by all concerned and take this opportunity to thank the families and guardians for their understanding and cooperation in these unprecedented and difficult times.

Further, to the Government’s recent announcement of resuming the academic activities, it goes without saying that necessary steps are being taken by the College to create a safe environment to welcome back the students. If as a parent or Guardian you are concerned or are unsure whether your child should attend classes due to a health condition of someone they live with, please contact me personally to have a candid and confidential discussion.

First and foremost, it goes without saying that the safety of your child and of our staff is of paramount importance. In light of the latest Government guidance, the College has developed a list of operational guidelines that need to be strictly adhered to by all. This will enable us to open as safely as possible, and help limit the risk of Coronavirus transmission within our setting.

Some of the steps we are taking in readiness for reopening include:

• Requesting that anyone who is displaying Coronavirus symptoms, or who lives with one who does to stay at home. This includes children, parents and staff. The most important symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19) are:

1. A new continuous cough
2. A high temperature (over 37.8 degrees)
3. A loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

• Assigning students in small key groups with as much consistent staff as possible, and minimising contact with other groups.
• Cleaning our hands more often than usual. Routines have been established to ensure students understand when and how to wash their hands, and of making sure they wash them thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with running water and soap and drying them thoroughly, or of using alcohol hand rub or sanitiser covering all parts of the hands
• Ensuring our students understand good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach and ensuring a good supply of tissues and bins throughout the college.
• Implementing an enhanced cleaning schedule by ensuring that surfaces touched by students and staff are regularly cleaned throughout the day including table tops, door handles etc.
• Requesting parents and carers to physically distance themselves from each other and from staff where possible when dropping off and collecting their children and of limiting drop off and collection to one parent or carer per household. Parents and guardians are being kindly asked to adhere to the 2m markings in the carpark.
• Requesting students not to bring unnecessary items from home unless this is essential to their health and wellbeing.
• Asking parents/carers to update emergency contacts. It is critical that we have the correct information and up to date contacts of people who can collect the child in an emergency. Please notify us in advance if you wish for us NOT to contact Grandparents or relatives that may be in isolation. in the event a child has to be sent home having signs and symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19),
• IMPORTANT – You will need to sign a declaration form to say you have read and understood this letter.

If a child develops symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19) whilst at college clear guidance has been provided that must be adhered to. Immediate contact with parent/carer (see above) will be made and arrangements made for the child to be sent home and advised to follow the “Staying at Home Guidance”

All of us at the College are mindful that students have spent a long time away from the setting and realize that some students may feel a bit anxious during the first few days of their return – Please try not to worry as this is normal.

It is our fervent hope that this letter has given you the information you need to understand the arrangements that have been made to enable the students to return and stay safe effective September 15th, 2020.

We are looking forward to welcoming the students back and again reassure you that all possible steps have been taken to ensure safety for all in our setting.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know.

Kind regards,

Prof. Dr. Sarosh Majeed

Principal