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Berlin (dpa) - The discussion about the pros and cons of face-to-face teaching in schools has flared up again against the background of rising corona numbers.

This is exemplified in North Rhine-Westphalia: In the most populous federal state, the cities of Dortmund and Duisburg want to close schools again.

The state government continued to reject this.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appealed not to close all schools and daycare centers again immediately if possible.

Federal Education Minister Anja Karliczek (CDU) spoke of a “tightrope walk”.

The Ruhr area cities Dortmund and Duisburg wanted to close their schools again in view of the situation.

The state government rejected this on Tuesday.

NRW Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU) said in the WDR morning echo that many children and young people had not been in schools since December.

The return to face-to-face classes at least on a daily basis for all age groups since this Monday in alternating mode remains correct.

Dortmund's Lord Mayor Thomas Westphal (SPD) criticized sticking to school return as too risky.

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Steinmeier said in a discussion with young people that he hoped for flexible solutions that would prevent care, education and encounters from being painfully and nationwide broken off.

If children and adolescents are the first to have to back off, this will not remain without consequences.

Education Minister Karliczek spoke of a “tightrope walk” in which the interests of children and health protection had to be weighed up.

When asked whether the schools should remain open in the event of another hard lockdown, Karliczek replied that this should be seen regionally.

"If I am able to sharpen my package of measures again and thus keep the situation at the schools safe, I believe that this can be represented locally."

The education union VBE (Association for Education and Upbringing) warned against the fact that the principle of hope has become obsolete.

The protective measures at the schools are not sufficient.

The staff must get vaccination offers as soon as possible and rapid tests are needed at least twice a week, demanded the association chairman Udo Beckmann.

"It is the responsibility of politicians to do everything that is necessary to ensure that the school runs and does not turn into a game of roulette."

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210317-99-862148 / 2