In an interview with the "Journal du Dimanche", the Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer indicated that the opening of schools remains the preferred hypothesis in the event of a third confinement.

Nevertheless, a school closure "remains conceivable in case of absolute necessity". 

"I prefer the terms that prevailed in November."

While the figures of the epidemic in France leave the shadow of a third confinement, the Minister of National Education would prefer that schools remain open if the measure was taken.

In an interview with the 

JDD, 

Jean-Michel Blanquer says that the government strategy put in place during the last confinement "worked".

"All the scenarios exist naturally, but we share this educational priority," he continues. 

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A hypothesis "conceivable in case of absolute necessity" 

While some European neighbors have decided to close schools in the face of the risk of variants, the minister affirms that "all our work

[that of the government, note]

 consists in avoiding this hypothesis, even if it remains conceivable in the event of absolute necessity".

Moreover, Jean-Michel Blanquer recalls that the criterion for closing a class, from three cases, is not set in stone and can be "hardened".

"We have health authorities who assess situations on a case-by-case basis," he adds. 

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A "stable" health situation at school

In addition, no recrudescence of cases in schools is observed in France, says the ministry.

If 371 classes are closed because of the coronavirus, "the curve is comparable to that after the holidays of All Saints. We went from 600 cases declared per day to a plateau reaching about 2000-2500 cases daily. On several thousands of tests carried out within the National Education, we have today the same rate of positivity as in December. "

The minister adds: "The situation therefore allows for school continuity, but we are vigilant."