In the press briefing on Friday, Meisch said the classes would return to school in their pre-health crisis formats from 29 June onwards. However, health measures will still apply, with students encouraged to wear masks on school transport and outside of the classroom. School canteens will stay closed, pupil groups will be separated in break times and the 8am-1pm timetable will remain.
The Minister said around 15 people from primary and secondary schools had tested positive for coronavirus since school testing was implemented. Going forward, staff and pupils will be split into focus groups of 5 people for testing, with one person undergoing the test each week.
The main objective of merging the classes once more was to provide each pupil with a solid foundation to prepare them for the next school year, explained Meisch. Lessons in the final two weeks of the term would help establish where pupils require support and to recap what was learned over the last few months.
Primary schools will be allowed to resume PE classes, although the recommendation is to conduct these lessons outdoors where possible. School outings are permitted to take place from 22 June; however, overnight stays will not be allowed until 15 July at the earliest.
Meisch said the decision had been made following discussions with staff, unions, parents and municipalities, and the merging of classes would be in pupils' best interests after what has been a difficult few months.
