Despite new nationwide restrictions in France – including a curfew – schools remain open and there are plans to test one million school children and teachers per month, French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer announced Thursday.
It is essential that schools remain open because there are psychological, health and educational implications, ”said Blanquer.
He said health measures will be strengthened at mealtimes and sports activities in enclosed spaces will be canceled.
While schools remained open for most of the pandemic, universities have mainly turned to online learning.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Thursday announced a gradual resumption of face-to-face teaching at universities and said he appreciated the situation being “extremely difficult” for college students and their mental health.
University students “feel that the health crisis has stolen their best moments,” said French Higher Education Minister Frédérique Vidal, echoing concerns voiced in French media over the past week.
All freshmen are allowed to attend seminars in smaller groups starting Jan. 25, and the measure could later be extended to students in other years, depending on the epidemic, Vidal said.
The government also announced measures to provide economic and psychological support to students.
These announcements come as the French government tightened national restrictions at the national level, extending a curfew from 6pm to 6am nationwide.