Despite new national restrictions in France – including a cover nail – schools will remain open and there are plans to test one million pupils and teachers a month, French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer announced on Thursday.
It is essential that schools remain open, because there are psychological, health and educational consequences, “said Blanquer.
He said health measures would be strengthened during the meal and indoor sports activities would be canceled.
Although schools remained open for most of the pandemic, universities switched mainly to online learning.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Thursday announced a gradual resumption of in-person teaching at universities, saying he said the situation was “extremely difficult” for university students and their mental health.
University students “feel that the health crisis has robbed them of their best moments,” said French Higher Education Minister Frédérique Vidal, echoing concerns expressed in the French media last week.
All first-year students will be allowed to attend seminars in smaller groups starting Jan. 25, and the measure could be extended later to students in other years, depending on the epidemic, Vidal said.
The government has also announced measures to provide economic and psychological support to students.
These announcements appear as the French government tightens restrictions nationwide, extending one hour of coverage from 6pm to 6am across the country.