Coronavirus: in France, reduced health protocol for the start of the school year and university

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3 min

A new health protocol replaced the one announced in June at the end of July to regulate the start of the school year in schools, colleges, high schools and universities in September, as part of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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On July 20, a new protocol replacing that of June 22 was sent to rectors, management staff and the entire educational community, the ministry told AFP on Friday, which then had no press release on the subject. A lighter protocol that relaxes the rules of physical distancing and mixing between students. Already in June, a reduction in health rules had allowed the gradual return to their establishments, sometimes for only a few days, especially in high school.

At the start of September and unless an epidemic rebound, everyone should be able to return to class, according to the new rules in force. Physical distancing will no longer apply in effect in outdoor spaces. In closed spaces (classrooms, libraries, canteens, etc.), it will no longer be compulsory “when it is not physically possible” or “when it does not accommodate all the students”.

Students over 11 years old must however continue to wear a mask in enclosed and outdoor spaces when a distance of one meter cannot be guaranteed and they are placed face to face or side by side. Groupings should be avoided as far as possible and cleaning rules will be relaxed.

Back on the university benches too

With regard to universities, greater autonomy is granted to establishments. They must always maintain physical distancing in closed spaces, such as classrooms or libraries for example, but only "as far as possible". If their premises do not allow it, they will therefore be able to organize face-to-face courses for their students, unlike the previous health protocol published two months ago. The text nevertheless specifies that in this case the wearing of a mask is required, also in libraries.   

According to the ministry, this protocol should no longer be modified before the start of the school year, except in the event of a massive resumption of the epidemic. In this case, a strict health protocol would be put in place, similar to that experienced by schools during the first phase of deconfinement, on May 11, including distance education or the closure of establishments in a specific area. .

Covid-19 Defense Council next week

A new "Defense Council on Covid-19" is scheduled for next week to take stock of the pandemic as the number of people diagnosed positive has increased by more than 30% in one week.

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