Maktab takes the safety and health of all its community members extremely seriously. Our spacious, airy campus acts as a natural ally in our battle against the virus. We strictly follow all WHO and Government of Pakistan guidelines. Some of the steps that we have taken to ensure a safe environment at Maktab are:

Daily On-Gate Screening:

The temperature of everyone entering the school is checked and they are asked to use hand sanitizer at the school gate, before entering the school. This is monitored by Maktab’s administrative staff. If any child is perceived to be even slightly unwell, he/she must stay home, and families must show evidence of a negative COVID test before returning to school. Families, students, and the school cannot determine for themselves whether a student’s illness is or is not COVID.

Masks:

All students, teachers, and staff are required to wear masks while in the school. The expectation is that students will bring their own masks: 3-layered fabric mask, surgical mask, etc.  However, the school has a supply of masks for students who lose or forget their own.  

Students may not remove their masks while in the building (including—and especially—in the bathroom) unless they are seated in their assigned area during recess while maintaining social distancing and eating lunch. Students cannot converse with each other inside the school unless masked.

Hand Washing:

Hand washing is encouraged among the students and teachers. Hand sanitizer is being provided in our corridors, offices, and in every classroom through conveniently placed dispensers. Hand washing or sanitizing is required at the start and end of each period, after using the restroom, and before lunch as well. 

Social/Physical Distancing:

Everyone in the school must always maintain a minimum of 3 feet of physical distance from others and 6 feet of distance while eating indoors (during recess or lunch when eating outdoors is not possible such as during rain). Also, all students during free periods must be 6 feet apart. Posters and information regarding social distancing is displayed in the corridors and notice boards.

All desks and workstations have been pre-measured and distanced at least 3 feet apart in classrooms, offices, and in all labs. 

Cleaning and Sanitization:

Maktab’s maintenance staff cleans and disinfects the building after-school and throughout the day. This includes thoroughly disinfecting classrooms and shared surfaces such as handrails and doorknobs.

The fight against Coronavirus must be fought by all of us. Maktab is trying to do its utmost to create an environment that maintains the health of all its community members. In order to ensure the safety of all the Maktab community, we request the community members to step in and do their part.

Expectations from Students

We expect all students to:

• Stay home if they feel sick.
• Follow all posted health protocols, including: 
  • Wearing a face covering at all times when in the school (except when eating).
  • Maintaining at least three feet of physical distance from others at all times.
  • Washing or sanitizing hands upon entering the school, upon entering classrooms, and as needed throughout the school day.
• Sit in their assigned seats (chosen on the first day of class) during class periods.
• Report immediately—any COVID-19 symptoms they may be feeling to a teacher or staff member if they are in the school.
• Report immediately—results of a positive COVID-19 test in their household to our medical point of contact, Syeda Pernia Zaidi. 
• Follow all instructions for quarantining and returning to school if and when given.
• Let an adult know if they see any behavior that may endanger the health of other members of our community.

Given the seriousness of the coronavirus, any student who does not comply with measures aimed at keeping our community safe may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Expectations from Parents:

We expect all parents and guardians to:

• Familiarize themselves with all guidelines posted on this page.
• Talk to their children about these guidelines and the importance of following public health protocols (e.g., mask-wearing, social distancing, hand washing/sanitizing, etc.).
• Report—immediately—results of a positive COVID-19 test in their household to our administrator.
• Uphold instructions for quarantining and returning to school if and when given to their child.

Despite our best efforts, there is a certain risk associated with the Coronavirus that cannot be eliminated. COVID-19 is mostly spread person-to-person by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, sneeze, or even sing. The disease is extremely contagious, and individuals may spread it to others without feeling sick themselves or before developing the signs and symptoms of the disease. Although many people who are infected do not experience serious symptoms, tragically, some become seriously ill and even die.  It is not possible to reduce the transmission risk to zero in any setting. There will be some residual risk even after significant targeted, science-backed, and layered risk reduction measures are implemented. Even with all our precautions in place, students may get exposed to COVID-19 and contract the disease; they may transmit the disease to others, and that as a result, they and members of their household may experience COVID-19 symptoms and may require isolation, quarantine, and hospitalization.

We hope and pray that all our community members and all human beings stay safe and healthy, and together we overcome this pandemic.