In an interview with RTL Radio on Monday morning, Minister Meisch explained it is the government’s upmost priority to keep schools open. He underlined that as long as hospitality, culture, and sports can operate, one cannot possibly think about closing schools.
Although there seems to be agreement on this on the other side of the political spectrum, some opposition politicians lament that Minister Meisch fails to recognise the use of air purifiers in class rooms.
MP Martine Hansen, fraction leader of the Christian Social People’s Party, noted: “I cannot accept that he continues stonewalling this initiative. CSV already put forward a proposal for air purifiers back in December 2020. Unions are also in favour, but the Minister keeps on refusing. Now, some municipalities are doing it on their own, which is certainly not the right way forward. Those who can afford it have a clear advantage, while others are left behind.”
Patrick Remakel, president of teachers’ union SNE, agrees with this assessment. SNE have also been requesting a general introduction of air purifiers for a long time. Furthermore, there is little understanding for the government’s decision to ease measures in kindergartens now that infections are higher than ever before.
Remakel stated: “Measures have been eased so that it now takes six pupils in one class for them to be quarantined instead of just two. This has brought abut many risks and we believe that the government moved too far and too quickly.”
MP Hansen further argued that the laissez-faire attitude is irresponsible due to the dangers of long Covid. Both teachers and unions now need some amount of certainty, which is why the syllabus has to be fixed as soon as possible, explained the CSV politician: “At the moment, everyone is anxious. Teachers fear they will not finish their programmes and rush over everything, which is not in the best interest of pupils.”
