What changes for schoolchildren and teachers at the start of the school year

It was the surprise of the day before the start of the school year. The health protocol at school changes on Monday, announced… this Sunday the Minister of Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer in a dense interview with the Parisian. The change is most noticeable in elementary school.

As before, all students must take an antigen or PCR test when a student in their class tests positive for coronavirus. This test, if it is negative, allows them to return to class. What is changing, however, is that families will now receive two free self-tests at the pharmacy, so that students can test themselves again at home on D + 2 and D + 4. Parents must then certify in writing and on the honor that the tests have been carried out and that they are negative.

Vaccinated teachers are no longer contact cases

What about adults? Like children, vaccinated teachers will also have to do several tests – on D + 2 and D + 4 – if they are contact cases without having to isolate themselves (unless they are obviously positive). Unvaccinated staff should self-isolate for seven days and then be tested. Jean-Michel Blanquer also called the vaccinated teachers, who are currently contact cases to be tested… this Sunday and come for the start of the school year if they are negative.

In January, all other causes of absence than illness (continuing education, for example) will be suspended to deal with the massive lack of positive teachers at Omicron. Contractual and temporary staff will also be recruited to make up for this future shortfall. The FFP2 mask for teachers is not on the agenda, the minister also said.