Coronavirus in the UK: reopening schools slowly, but much discussed

Text by: Muriel Delcroix Follow

In the UK, some schools reopened on Monday June 1st. But this new step towards deconfinement is done against the advice of teachers' unions and local authorities who consider the government's decision premature. The country is the most bereaved in Europe, with more than 38,000 coronavirus deaths.

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With our correspondent in London,

This timid reopening only concerns primary schools in England for kindergarten and CM2 pupils, that is to say for schoolchildren aged 4 to 6 and 10 to 11 years old. The students will have found very different classes this Monday with many markings on the ground recalling the rules of distance. For the moment, there will only be fifteen per class and alone at a table with the instruction not to touch anyone.

This return to class is done in small steps or even backwards for certain parents and teachers who, since the government's announcement, have constantly expressed their concerns.

More tests requested

The national education union is calling for more scientific tests and assurances to reopen safely and has accused the government of Boris Johnson of not sufficiently protecting citizens from the coronavirus.

Many teachers and school principals also complain that they face big logistical problems. A report estimates that only half of the two million students concerned will be returned to class this Monday, June 1. According to school directors, 47% of parents intended to keep their children at home, with parents from disadvantaged families among the most reluctant.

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• Boris Johnson
• Coronavirus
• United Kingdom

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