A national switch to distance learning is excluded in the federal government’s variant management plan, which will regulate further action in connection with the corona pandemic in the autumn. “In the third year of the pandemic, general school closures are no longer an option,” the chapter on schools says. A temporary closure of individual classes or locations is still possible – as with other infectious diseases such as measles.
Schools have learned to live with the pandemic in recent years, the paper said, citing measures such as temporary mask requirements or rapid antigen testing in case of infection or suspected cases. Vaccination is also crucial. In addition, each school has an individual hygiene and prevention concept with regulations for ventilation, for school events or temporary distance learning.
Four different scenarios possible
In the variant management plan, the specific working method has now been laid down in four different scenarios, in which transparent and early communication to the schools is of great importance. In the past, new rules were often announced in the very short term or specifications were changed again in the short term.
Part Mask Requirement continued
Scenario 1 (“ideal case”) is assumed to end the pandemic: there are many infections, but the hospital burden is relatively low. Scenario 2 (“favourable situation”) assumes a weakening of the pandemic in the longer term, with a seasonal infection wave in Autumn/Winter 2022/23 of similar magnitude and severity to the previous ommicron waves.
For the schools, according to the variant management plan, this means in both cases: event-related rapid antigen testing if, for example, a child or young person becomes ill during class, and if necessary, placing a temporary mask obligation at the school.
PCR testing may return
In scenario 3 (“worse case”), a new, worrisome variant brings a large wave of infection, but existing population immunity and updated vaccines continue to protect against most severe cases.
From the transition from Scenario 2 to Scenario 3, the Variant Management Plan (VMP) stipulates that all students, teachers and administrative staff will again perform PCR tests once a week. During the past school year, the pupils almost always did PCR tests once or twice a week.
Concrete risk assessment per location
If scenario 3 takes place in full, there will also be a general obligation to wear masks outside the classroom, in high school/AHS elementary school, as well as AHS upper school and the BMHS for a limited time in the classroom. From this phase, vulnerable children and young people can be exempted from the attendance requirement with a doctor’s certificate. Whether school events such as ski weeks, language trips or hiking days are held depends on the risk assessment at the location.
In scenario 4 (“very unfavorable case”: intensification of the pandemic with a lot of infections and hospital admissions) standard mouth and nose protection must be worn in the lower classes and FFP2 masks in the upper classes. Multi-day school events with overnight stays will be suspended in this case.
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.
