BEIJING — Schools in China have been urged to take preventive measures on COVID-19 as they gradually reopen.

Schools should make targeted plans for epidemic prevention and control and emergency response and ensure that these measures are well implemented, said Feng Luzhao, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, at a news conference in Beijing May 13.

Education departments and schools should also make sound communication with health authorities and nearby medical institutions to form mechanisms of coordination, Feng said.

Schools should also step up monitoring the health conditions of teachers and students such as their body temperatures, he said, stressing that those who are sick must be prohibited from going to school.

The density of personnel should also be strictly controlled in schools to keep a safe social distance, Feng suggested.

He also said schools should enhance the cleaning and disinfection of venues frequently used by students such as classrooms, canteens and dormitories, as well as objects regularly touched by students.

"Teachers and students should keep good sanitary habits, and those who find themselves with suspected symptoms should report to the school as soon as possible and take further measures of quarantine or seeking medical assistance," said Feng.

Once there is a suspected or confirmed cases, the emergency response mechanism should be immediately activated to screen and track close contacts, he added.