For Jean-Michel Blanquer, schools are "the last thing to close" in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic. The minister, on the other hand, is less firm about the canteens.
In France, the epidemic situation is worrying. The threat of total containment or the strengthening of local measures looms, but Jean-Michel Blanquer absolutely wants to avoid the closure of schools. "School is the last thing to close, because it is the most precious institution in the heart of society. So you can only close school when you have tried everything else and is not enough ", assured the Minister of National Education to the Parisian.
Failing to close schools, many epidemiologists believe that it would at least be necessary to close school canteens, where the mixing of students is important despite the health protocol. Asked about this by The Parisian, Jean-Michel Blanquer has not closed the door to this option: "We can imagine closing the canteens, which are effectively the weak link in the day of the student, without closing the schools". The minister reassures by indicating that it is not envisaged for the moment. "However, until now, it has been considered necessary to keep them open. It is a social and health issue. For many children, it is the only way to have a balanced meal for the day. ", he stressed.
The bin should take place normally
Jean-Michel Blanquer was questioned about the baccalaureate, while the specialty tests were replaced by the continuous assessment. While the students are worried that it will be the same for those of June, the minister wants to be reassuring and declares that "the health situation should normally be more relaxed" at this moment. "So, logically, the French baccalaureate for the students of Première, the philosphy tests and the new grand oral will be held under the normal conditions of the terminal control", says the minister.
What about the vaccination of teachers?
In January, the minister estimated that he "would be desirable" that the teachers of National Education be vaccinated during the month of March, but this is not currently planned. By indicating that"currently, the vaccine is starting to affect teachers over 50 who have weaknesses – as well as the general population", he explains that "if we were to enter into a professional logic with vaccines which would arrive in large numbers in April", he "would do everything" for the teaching staff to do "part of the first concerned".