Return of all pupils to schools and colleges: what health precautions?

A relaxation of the health protocol was decided in schools and colleges in compliance with the requirements issued by the health authorities. It is based on the evolution of the pandemic and new scientific data on the impact and transmission of the Coronavirus in children under 15 years of age.

The measures are aimed at both pupils and staff. Their application must take into account the specific context of each institution.

Physical distancing

• In kindergarten, between pupils in the same class or group, no rules on distance are imposed in enclosed spaces (classroom, hallways, dining room, etc.) or in outdoor spaces, but they must be maintained between pupils in different groups.
• In elementary schools and colleges, the principle of physical distancing of at least one meter, where physically possible, applies in enclosed spaces, between the teacher and pupils and between pupils when they are side by side or face to face.
  It does not apply in outdoor spaces between pupils of the same class or group, including for sports activities (the organization of the class in the open air is therefore a possibility encouraged).
  If the classroom configuration does not allow for physical distancing of at least one meter, the space is organized to maintain the greatest possible distance between students, and children over 11 years of age must wear a mask in the classroom.
• For children staying in boarding schools, the distance between beds must be at least one meter.

The barrier gestures

• Handwashing with soap and water should be done:
  
  • on arrival at the establishment;
  • before and after each meal;
  • before and after recreation;
  • after going to the toilet;
  • in the evening before going home or upon arrival at home.
  
  It may be carried out without measuring physical distance between pupils in the same class or group.
  Towels for public use are forbidden.
  Alternatively, the use of an aqueous-alcoholic solution may be considered.
• Wearing masks:
  
  • for nursery school pupils: it should not be used;
  • for elementary school pupils: it is not recommended, but masks are available for children with symptoms pending their departure from school;
  • for schoolchildren: it is compulsory when traveling;
  • for staff: it is compulsory (in primary school, middle school and high school) in situations where the distance of at least one meter cannot be guaranteed. It is not compulsory for teaching staff when they are teaching and are at least one meter away from the pupils. It is provided by the Ministry of National Education and Youth to staff in direct contact with pupils;
  • for parents of pupils: it is essential to be able to enter the school.
• Ventilation of the premises must take place at least every 3 hours and for at least 15 minutes.

Limiting the mixing of pupils

Depending on their size, schools and colleges organize the day and activities to limit cross-fertilization between pupils in different classes or at different levels. For example:

• the arrival and departure of the pupils in the school may be staggered over time. This organization depends on the number of pupils in each room, the staff present and the possibilities for adapting school transport, including that of pupils with disabilities;
• student movements must be restricted and supervised;
• recreation is organized by classes or groups of classes, respecting the barrier gestures. In case of organizational difficulties, they can be replaced by breaks in class;
• school catering is organized in the usual places. Student flows and density are organized by respecting the distance of at least one meter between groups of pupils belonging to the same class in nursery schools. For pupils in elementary schools and colleges, where it is materially impossible to keep the distance between pupils by one meter, pupils in the same class shall have lunch together and keep a distance of at least one meter from other groups. High school students respect the distance of a minimum of one meter in the catering areas.

Disinfection of premises and equipment

Cleaning of floors and large areas (tables, desks) is carried out at least once a day, as well as disinfection of the areas most frequently touched by students and staff in all common areas (door handles, for example).

The tables in the dining room are cleaned and disinfected after each service.

Access to games, benches and outdoor communal areas is allowed if daily cleaning is provided (or after a period without use of about 12 hours).

Shared objects within the same class or group (balloons, toys, books, games, newspapers, reusable leaflets, pencils, etc.) may be made available within the premises when disinfection is ensured at least daily (or when the objects are isolated 24 hours before reuse).