The coronavirus continues to circulate actively in France. Faced with the increase in new cases of Covid-19 in schools, the government has strengthened the health protocol established in schools in the 19 departments under “very strong braking measures”. From Monday March 29, schools are subject to new health measures to stop the spread of the virus.
The closure of classes as soon as a single case of Covid-19 is discovered
From this date, in confined territories “the occurrence of a confirmed case among the pupils systematically results in the closure of the class to which the pupil belongs for a period of 7 days. This rule applies to any pupil declared a positive case by his legal representatives”, indicated the Ministry of National Education on his site. This measure concerns “all school levels”, from kindergarten to terminal, according to the Minister of Education Jean-Michel Blanquer. Until now, schools have been able to close a class when three cases of coronavirus contamination have been confirmed.
According to the Ministry of Education, students with Covid-19 must isolate themselves for 10 days “for symptomatic cases from the date of the first symptoms and for asymptomatic cases from the date of sampling.” All other children or adolescents are considered contact cases. Parents of contact cases students must certify on their honor that a test has been carried out and the negative result thereof. “In the absence of such a certificate, the student’s eviction from school will be maintained until the production of this certificate or failing that for a maximum period of 14 days”, can we read on the ministry’s website.
The government has specified that, in the event of a class closure for health reasons, parents can benefit from the facilities put in place, namely a work stoppage, to ensure the care of their children when they are not in school. able to telecommute.
Jean-Michel Blanquer also announced, during a press conference on March 26, that the rectorates will be able to recruit more staff to replace teachers when they are sick or affected by the coronavirus.
Covid-19: “half-gauge” operation in high schools
The high schools have switched to “half-gauge” operation, that is to say that the pupils alternate between face-to-face and remote courses. Asked by France Info, the Ministry of National Education provided details concerning the “hybrid operation” high schools. According to our colleagues, it will not be the classes that will be divided into two groups, but the overall staff of the establishment.
Indoor physical education and sports classes are maintained
Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on March 18 the resumption of indoor physical education and sports (EPS) classes, which had been suspended since mid-January to curb the spread of the coronavirus. These classes can still take place indoors. “However, physical activities outdoors as well as ‘low intensity’ indoor activities allowing the wearing of a mask in gymnasiums should be favored, in particular in the departments subject to reinforced braking measures”, specifies the Ministry of National Education on its site.
Covid-19: canteens remain open in schools
Although meals promote the spread of the virus, the government has decided to keep school canteens open because they play “a fundamental role in the life of the pupils”. However, establishments located in the territories most affected by Covid-19 may decide to close their canteens “last resort”. Jean-Michel Blanquer explained that local communities will be able to do so after asking the opinion of the National Education. “We are not urging this to be the case”, he insisted.
Covid-19: is a school closure envisaged?
This measure is not ruled out by the government. “The complete closure of schools should not be a taboo, but it must remain a last resort and a measure limited to the maximum in time”, Emmanuel told the Sunday newspaper March 28.
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