These images show primary school children in China returning to class amid an easing of pandemic restrictions, each wearing a face mask and a homemade social distancing hat.
The creative headwear dubbed a ‘one-metre hat’ ensures that pupils returning from several months away from school remember to observe strict physical distancing guidelines.
See the video above
Four classes of first-year pupils at Yangzheng School in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province in East China, were allowed to return to their classes for the first time in preparation for a resumption of lessons.
Images show the adorable children each wearing a surgical mask as well as their one-metre hat, which has a 1m measuring tool jutting out the sides.
Most are made of cardboard, but at least one creative girl has made hers using balloons to make balloon animals.
Vice-principal Hong Feng told local media "This was our own creative idea. It helps us promote our slogan: ‘Wear a one-metre hat, keep a one-metre distance."
To ensure schoolchildren maintain proper hygiene practices, pupils are not allowed to have any physical contact with one another, and cannot break their hats.
It is compulsory for them to wear their surgical masks, and pupils must also undergo regular temperature screenings, reports said.
As Covid-19 infections surged in China at the end of January, schools and universities were told not to reopen even as the Chinese New Year holidays ended on 29th January.
Lessons were moved online, and city officials across China were allowed to resume classes at their discretion.
- OPINION: What going back to school post Covid-19 could look like
- This new digital portal combines stories and play to help children think out of the box
- Online schooling? Find handy local resources here
Junior and senior high school pupils in their final year returned to class on 13th April, and fourth, fifth and sixth year primary school pupils on 20th April.
Those in grades one, two and three returned on 26th April, while nursery schools are set to reopen on 6th May.
Zhejiang remains the region with the third-most coronavirus cases in China after the provinces of Hubei and Guangdong.
The provincial health commission has reported 1,268 total cases and one death, while its capital Hangzhou’s last recorded case was an imported asymptomatic patient on 20th April.
Source: Magazine Features
Chat back:
Share your story with Parent24. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
Email: Share your story with us via email at chatback @ parent24.com