Schools stay open with extra measures.

Schools stay open with extra measures.

Although the corona infections keep rising, schools may remain open for now. Face masks will return in all education from group six. Furthermore, there are self-tests for students and staff and fixed walking routes will apply again in the building. This was announced by the caretaker cabinet on Friday evening during the press conference.

‘That we would see numbers rise so quickly, we did not expect,’ said caretaker minister De Jonge. ‘Again a difficult and serious message that will ask a lot from us, this new package of measures,’ added caretaker prime minister Mark Rutte on Friday evening. ‘But the schools remain open. The social impact of school closures would be huge.’

Advice

With the measures, the cabinet follows the experts of the OMT. They advised keeping schools open because closing schools can harm children’s development. Ouders & Onderwijs is happy that the cabinet decided to keep schools open and supports the announced extra measures.

Face mask

Students from group six at primary schools are strongly advised to wear a face mask. Wearing a face mask is advice. Parents can refuse this unless the school includes it as a requirement in its own safety policy and has approval from the school participation council.

For students in secondary education and higher education (including mbo), it is mandatory.

Self-tests

For students in primary school (from group six) and in secondary school, it is advised to do a self-test twice a week as prevention. Schools provide these self-tests free of charge. Teachers and other school staff are also advised to use them.

Walking routes

Fixed walking routes apply throughout the school (primary and secondary). Where possible, schools will spread breaks over the day. Also, students are encouraged to come to school independently as much as possible.

Complaints

If children have complaints, they must stay home. This applies (also in childcare) to all types of complaints, including a runny nose.

Christmas holiday

All measures apply in principle until a week before the Christmas holiday.

Questions

Do you have questions about the corona measures at school? Check our FAQ, which is updated constantly. Or call our advice desk on weekdays at 088-6050101, or send an email to vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl.