The upcoming school year will start without mandatory tests and mouth caps. “As in all other areas of life, it is also important in schools to learn to live with COVID-19,” emphasizes the circular from the Ministry of Education. At the current stage of the pandemic, testing and the obligation to wear masks are provided for in the government’s variant management plan only on a case-by-case basis and for a limited period of time. For example, schools can schedule antigen testing or masks for up to two weeks.
The Ministry also recommends that tests be carried out on a voluntary basis at the start of school: As in the previous year, students should, if possible, come to school on the first day of school with a valid (PCR) test. In addition, during the first week of school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, all schools offer antigen testing for students, teachers and administrative staff.
Order mandatory inspections and mouth caps in a risk situation
For the second week of school, students can request three rapid antigen tests to use at home, for example on Sunday evening or Monday morning. In the event of a particularly risky situation, schools can require tests and face masks for a maximum of two weeks or a delayed start of lessons, or longer if the Directorate of Education approves this. Distance learning can only be organized with the permission of the Education Directorate.
Despite criticism, the ministry also insists that symptom-free teachers and students of secondary level I (high school, AHS lower level) be allowed to come to class with an FFP2 mask despite contamination. However, schools must provide their own (mask) break room and special hygiene measures must also be observed in these areas, the circular emphasizes.
Teaching Asymptomatic Infected People Denied
Teachers and principals have refused to teach infected people without symptoms. Several states have also announced that they will ban the use of infected teachers in compulsory schools, where they are the teachers’ employers.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
