Without any official communication, the latest version of the health protocol was posted online by the Ministry of National Education on Wednesday 5 August.
Physical distancing will no longer be mandatory in classrooms and outdoor spaces. It was in all discretion, this Wednesday, August 5, that the national education published the new health protocol applicable from the start of the 2020 school year in schools and schools.
The seven-page document has not been officially communicated to the general public and was reportedly sent to academy rectors on July 20, Le Monde reported. The talks would have started on July 9, “Date on which discussions resumed with health authorities. Unless there is a sudden change in the health context, this version should be the last by the start of the school year ", one indicates rue de Grenelle, near the World.
Physical distancing that will no longer be mandatory
For this very apprehensive return to school by many parents and teachers, the government intends to relax the rules, as requested by the High Council for Public Health in an opinion made public on July 7.
Thus, in classrooms but also libraries, dining halls, canteens or even workshops, physical distancing will no longer be mandatory when it is not "Not materially possible or that it does not accommodate all the students", indicates the protocol. During recess and in other outdoor spaces, physical distancing will not apply either. In addition, limiting the mixing between classes and groups of students will no longer be mandatory even if "Arrivals and departures are particularly studied to limit as much as possible the groupings of students and / or parents", specifies the document.
Unlike the old protocol, access to group games between students will now be possible with "the provision of shared objects within the same class or the same constituted group (balls, toys, books, games, newspapers, reusable leaflets, pencils, etc.)".
Wearing a mask remains compulsory
However, wearing a mask remains compulsory for students over 11 years old indoors and outdoors, "when the distance of one meter cannot be guaranteed". This new “more flexible” protocol is also valid for students who will have to wear the mask in cases where the rules of distance – one meter between each student or a seat left vacant in confined spaces – cannot be respected. . Also, the mask should be worn "under all circumstances" inside libraries.
Regarding the teaching staff, elementary, middle and high school teachers should also wear it, unless the distance of at least one meter cannot be respected. On the other hand, kindergarten teachers will not be required to wear it.