Covid-19: Austria reopens schools, but tests students and teachers weekly
Audio 01:21
Austrian schools can now reopen their doors provided they test teachers and students every week.
Here, a student in an elementary school in Vienna, November 17, 2020. AFP - HERBERT NEUBAUER
Text by: RFI Follow
4 min
In Austria, schools, colleges and high schools can once again welcome their students since Monday, February 9.
But on one strict condition: the latter must be tested for the coronavirus every week in their establishment, just like the teachers.
To do this, a whole organization has been put in place.
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With our correspondent in Vienna,
Isaure Hiace
Once seated at their table, the students listen to the instructions given by their teacher and then receive an antigen test to do themselves.
A habit for them to take, because they will have to repeat this operation at least once a week.
"
The test is not disturbing, it does not hurt and I am happy to go back to school, because I missed my friends
: I was bored at home
", explains Jashan Bhandari, 18 years old.
A lesser evil is also the opinion of Wissam Issac, who is 14 years old: “
It's easier to concentrate when you're at school, because you can't see the teacher just through a screen.
We can communicate with him, ask him questions more easily and he can explain things to us more.
"
Primary students are at school all week, but middle and high school students only two days, because they have lessons in half-groups.
They must also
wear a mask
in class.
These are all measures that require a lot of organization, recognizes Ursula Madl, director of the establishment: "
It is restrictive for teachers and for the administration, because it requires preparation every day, but we must take on ourselves because face-to-face teaching is essential for children, they must find a daily structure, it is important psychologically.
"
This week, around 80 students and 60 teachers have tested positive for Covid-19 in
the Austrian capital.
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See also
: Austria: the Viennese are delighted with the reopening of museums
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