Students attend a school-opening ceremony in Hai'an, Jiangsu province. [Photo/IC]

More than 15 million students from schools in East China's Jiangsu province recently welcomed the start of the fall semester.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, over 15,000 primary schools, middle schools and colleges in the province have thoroughly cleaned and disinfected their premises. Several schools in Nanjing have also required their teachers and students to stay in the city the week before the new semester and report their health conditions every day.

Many schools were expanded or renovated during the summer vacation. For example, Nanjing Youfu West Street Primary School renovated its playground and enhanced the shock resistance of its buildings. A piece of farmland meant labor education purposes was also added to the campus. In addition, the classrooms have been equipped with new devices such as eye-protection lamps as well as desks and chairs that can be adjusted to different heights, said Yang Cong, deputy director of the school's general affairs department.

To prepare for the fall semester, many primary and middle school teachers attended training sessions and seminars themed on reducing academic pressure on students. Schools have also pledged to do more to provide students with holistic education in the new term.