A few days before the return of the children to school, Prime Minister Jean Castex held a press conference on Thursday at 6 p.m., during which he notably specified the conditions of this return to school, scheduled from Monday April 26 in kindergarten and primary.

The modalities of

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Despite a still limited decline in the epidemic, the government is pursuing its objective of gradually lifting the restrictions in May, with the end of the 10km limit on the evening of May 2 and by reopening the terraces in mid-May.

In the meantime, it is the return to school which is announced from April 26 in kindergarten and primary.

Prime Minister Jean Castex held a press conference on Thursday at 6 p.m., during which he notably specified the conditions for this new school year, but also the terms of the possible reopening from May 3 and the quarantine for travelers in from or to 5 countries at risk.

Here's what to remember from the latest announcements.

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Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation Thursday, April 22

Back to school confirmed on April 26, schoolchildren back in class

"As of Monday April 26, the pupils will return to their class, in order to ensure the continuity of the physical link as much as possible", declared Jean Castex.

While admitting that the decline in the epidemic still seems small, the government is "convinced that the damage caused by the prolonged closure of schools is catastrophic and can cause long-term, educational and psychological damage. ... ] We accept this choice ", added the Prime Minister.

Face-to-face return of middle school and high school students on May 3

Middle school and high school students will resume remote classes on April 26 but face-to-face from Monday May 3, the date of progressive deconfinement already envisaged by the government.

However, this re-entry will be accompanied by "strict conditions" and a "health framework as protective as possible", which provides for "massive reinforcement of testing capacities at all levels, for students and all staff." 

The week of May 3, hybrid education will therefore resume in high schools, in half-gauge.

For college students, the start of the school year will be normal "but the 4th and 3rd of the 15 departments most affected by the epidemic, will also be in half-gauge," said Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer.

In addition, the patent, bac de philo and grand oral are maintained in person.

Reinforced health protocol in schools and self-tests

The resumption of classes will also be accompanied by an increase in saliva tests, 400,000 per week, with a target of 600,000 in mid-May, in priority in the departments where the circulation of the virus is the highest.

"In addition to saliva tests, there will be the deployment of self-tests. This is a nasal sample, simpler and lighter than a PCR test," added Jean Castex. "We have placed massive orders, they will be offered to all educational staff and all high school students starting next week," and high school students only because "to date these tests are only for over 15s." These tests should be carried out once a week for high school students, and two tests per week are distributed for educational staff. A positive test should always be confirmed by a PCR test.

The Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer also indicated that a class will be closed "as soon as a case of contamination" is noted in a class, with the maintenance of "wearing a mask from the age of 6 years. ", the" ventilation every hour "and the installation when possible of air purifiers.

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Reopenings "in stages" from May 3

"From May 3, we will be able to lift the constraints of travel during the day", assured Jean Castex during the press conference, adding that "mid-May" could reopen shops, terraces, and resume "certain cultural activities and sports ".

These measures will however be taken subject to the favorable evolution of the health situation, "where appropriate in a territorialized manner", and "will evolve over the stages."

Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered "as of this Saturday"

The Minister of Health indicated that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine would be administered in France "from this Saturday".

In addition, Olivier Véran added that the vaccination would be open from next Monday to people living with an immunocompromised person.

Vaccination of children, it is "not topical".

Quarantine for travelers from Brazil

From Saturday, "a reinforced control system" will be put in place for people arriving "from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and India", also announced the head of government.

"The realization of a test of less than 36 hours will be systematized at the start but also at the arrival" of these countries, with the establishment of a "quarantine accompanied by controls by the police".

This quarantine will last 10 days and people in quarantine will only be able to leave for compelling reasons "between 10 am and 12 noon", detailed the Minister of the Interior Gerald Darmanin.

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A "peak of the third wave" which "seems behind us"

"The peak of the third wave seems behind us", finally estimated the head of government.

According to him there is also a "plateau" in the number of patients admitted to intensive care.

An improvement which justifies a reduction in health measures for the coming weeks.

However, a curfew will be maintained at 7 pm "until further notice", probably until at least mid-May, announced Jean Castex.