Protocol at school: what measures at the start of the school year?

What protocol at school at the start of the school year in September?

[Mise à jour du 19 juillet 2022 à 12h59]. The Ministry of National Education has just published its new health protocol for the start of the 2022 school year. It provides for three levels which can be adapted according to the epidemic context. Level 1 corresponds to “moderate vigilance”, level 2 to “increased vigilance” and level 3 to “very unfavorable evolution”. For the first two levels, all students are welcomed face-to-face. Only the 3rd level leaves room for the organization of hybridization in high school when the configuration of the establishment requires it. It should also be remembered that the educational teams will have a period of 10 days to move from one level to another. Here is the health framework for the operation of schools, colleges and high schools for the 2022-2023 school year :

What do the three levels of the health protocol correspond to?

• “Level 1 is equivalent to moderate vigilance, reminder and encouragement of barrier gestures, limitation of large gatherings.
• Level 2 has increased vigilance, the reinforcement of barrier gestures, the adaptation of practical methods in physical education and sports (EPS).
• Level 3 is equivalent to a very unfavorable development, with a doctrine of reception in high school and the strengthening of restrictive measures (limited physical and sports activities)”have, in fact, explained the unions to AFP.

Will the mask be compulsory at the start of the school year?

The wearing of the mask must be done “in alignment with the general population”, says the Ministry of Education. They are defined by the health authorities. Local measures can be taken by the prefectural authorities, they can concern school space. When required, the mask must provide filtration greater than 90% (“general public” mask formerly falling under category 1 or surgical mask, for example).

Same thing for the rules concerning contact tracing. Thereby, Covid-19 positive students will have to isolate themselves, but contact case students can continue to go to class, without having to be tested. Indeed, the Ministry of National Education does not intend to continue the campaigns of saliva tests at school. The Ministry of National Education further specifies that “the contact-tracing rules applicable to school are those adopted by the health authorities for adults and children in the general population.”

Will the lessons take place face-to-face or remotely?

It all depends on the current level. At levels 1 and 2, the lessons will all take place face-to-face, in primary, middle and high school. On the other hand, at level 3 of the health protocol, high school students will follow face-to-face and distance courses since hybridization will then be applied.

Sport at school: what measures?

“The rules applied to outdoor physical and sporting activities are simplified. They can take place indoors and outdoors without restriction, at level 1. At level 2, physical education classes take place outdoors. “However, when indoor practice is essential (bad weather, availability of facilities, etc.), it is done respecting a distance adapted to the activity. says the Ministry of National Education. In addition, contact sports are not allowed. Finally, with regard to level 3 of the health protocol, only low intensity activities compatible with distancing are authorized.

What health protocol in the canteen?

For school catering, the mixing of students must be limited by class in the first degree, from level 2 of the health protocol. At level 3, the limitation of mixing between pupils of different groups (groups of classes or level) is required. In the first degree, mixing between pupils of different classes must be avoided during the restoration. This limitation is all the more necessary when the distance between pupils of the same group can hardly be respected (in particular in nursery school).

Mixing of students: the measures in force

• Level 1 / green level: the limitation of mixing between groups of pupils is not compulsory. Large groupings (events bringing together all the students, for example) should be avoided;
• Level 2 / orange level: the limitation of mixing between pupils of different groups (groups of classes or level) is required. This limitation is all the more necessary when the distance between pupils of the same group can hardly be respected (in particular in nursery school). In addition, the arrival and departure of pupils in the establishment can be spread over time (depending on the number of pupils received, the staff present and the possibilities of adapting school transport). Within the buildings, the movements of pupils must be limited, organized and supervised. It is recommended to assign a room to each class (apart from specialized rooms and workshops). With regard to recreation, they must be organized in groups with respect for barrier gestures. Depending on the needs, recess can be replaced by a break in class.
• Level 3 / red level : the limitation of mixing between pupils of different groups (groups of classes or level) is required.

In which class do we have to respect the distance?

In kindergarten, distancing is not required between students in the same group (group of classes or levels), whether in enclosed spaces (classroom, corridors, etc.) or in outdoor spaces. In elementary schools, colleges, and high schools, the space is organized in such a way as to maintain the greatest possible distance between students. From level 2 (orange level), physical distance is maintained between students from different groups (groups of classes or levels).