Secondary schools fully open from 31 May.

Secondary schools fully open from 31 May.

All secondary schools can be fully open for students from Monday 31 May. From 7 June, this is required. Students do not need to keep one and a half meters distance from each other anymore. The cabinet makes this decision based on advice from the Outbreak Management Team.

Secondary schools may open, but that does not mean they can actually do so. Some schools need more preparation time, according to Minister Slob. June 7 is the date by which everything must be arranged. ‘We want to make it possible for students to go to school for at least six weeks before the summer holidays start,’ said Minister Slob.

Masks and self-tests

All secondary students will return to school at the same time. Although the one-and-a-half meter rule between students will be lifted, the mask requirement remains. This applies in secondary education outside of lessons, in the school building. Students and teachers will also have access to self-tests. They can take these preventively twice a week at home. Participation remains voluntary.

Explanation

‘We see the number of infections dropping significantly in the Netherlands,’ Minister Slob said in a brief explanation. ‘We also see that the number of vaccinated people is growing. The pressure on healthcare is easing. But we still have to keep taking measures. Fortunately, we also have the possibility to use self-tests now. It is very important that these are available and are actually used in practice. We will do everything to encourage that.’

Positive under conditions

Ouders & Onderwijs is positive about the decision under some conditions. Many students have really looked forward to going back to school fully. There must be understanding for parents, students, and teachers who do not want to join physical education for medical or other reasons. We also call on the cabinet again to vaccinate teaching staff with priority.

‘We are glad that schools may open again from May 31. Students, parents, and teachers should be able to decide if they find it responsible to go back or teach fully. A condition is that schools can organize education safely for everyone. If that does not work, the option to make a personal choice should remain,’ said Lobke Vlaming, director of Ouders & Onderwijs.

‘The self-tests that students can do at home twice a week can help keep school safe. However, we still have many questions about using the self-tests. Can the school keep safety if students do not want to do the test? Can students who want to continue with distance education do so? We hope to answer these and other questions soon.’

Questions

Do you have questions? The most important information about self-tests is on our themed page. Or call our advice point on weekdays at 088-6050101 or send an email to vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl.