Although we are still in the middle of summer holidays, plans for the eventual return to school are already well underway. Last Friday, ministers Meisch and Lenert delivered a scientific rapport on the developments in the sector since the beginning of the outbreak. In general, the likelihood of extensive spreading in schools is considered to be low.
Nonetheless, there is little doubt that the threat of Covid-19 will still be present at all times in September. Both unions have welcomed the rapport, but APESS has suggested increasing some safety measures.
Gilles Everling, president of APESS, notes that the association is mostly concerned with the issue of mandatory masks, explaining that they would prefer the same obligation that was put in place when schools first reopened: in case the 2m distance cannot be guaranteed, masks would have to be worn.
Proper ventilation constitutes another problem, as there remain a significant number of classrooms across the country where the windows cannot be opened, according to Everling.
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Both unions agree that they would like to be informed about any new measures as soon as possible, so that they can prepare for September. Nicolas Thill, the second president of SNE, acknowledged that there might be a chance that classes would once more have to be held in digital form, if the situation were to become worse again. In any case, proper preparation can only be guaranteed if the dialogue between the unions and the ministry of education continues, Thill noted.
The aim is to make the return to schools as normal as possible and if possible, teach all subjects again.
Schools to return with minimal restrictions as transmission rate low among pupils
