School health protocol: what new measures?

What will change at the start of the January school year?

[Mise à jour du 28 décembre à 14h40]. The government has decided to maintain the start of the school year after the Christmas holidays, to Monday January 3, 2022. Screenings will nevertheless be reinforced, and in primary school, as soon as a positive case appears in the classroom, students will now have to present at least two negative tests several days apart, to be able to return to class, said Jean-Michel Blanquer on France inter this December 28. On the Matignon side, this measure does not seem to be validated yet. “At this stage, nothing is stopped” specifies the ministry on BFMTV who adds that the pupils with contact cases tested negative could “come back to class as soon as the results of their first test have occurred, without waiting for their second test, which would nevertheless be requested a few days later”.

Remember that since December 9, the level 3 health protocol applies in primary schools in France, with the exception of Guyana which remains at level 4 and middle and high school students must comply with the measures of level 2 of the health protocol. From CP, the wearing a mask is compulsory indoors and outdoors for all students from CP and staff. Classes close from 3 positive cases to Covid-19, for a period of 7 days. “There will no longer be systematic closings of classes in primary school from the first case of Covid-19 but systematic screening of all students. In other words, only students who test negative will be able to return to class. These tests can be carried out by the legal representatives “, said Jean-Michel Blanquer during a conference on November 25.

What does level 3 (orange) of the primary school health protocol provide?

As of December 9, primary schools move to level 3 of the health protocol, including the wearing of masks indoors and outdoors for students from first grade as well as staff.

• hybridization possible in high school when the configuration of the establishment requires it.
• The activities take place outdoors, but if necessary indoors, only low intensity activities compatible with wearing a mask and a distance of 2 meters are allowed.
• For staff, the mask is mandatory in enclosed spaces and outdoors
• The mask is compulsory in primary, middle and high school in enclosed spaces and outdoors
• limitation of mixing between pupils of different groups (class, groups of classes or level). In the first stage, the lack of mixing between students of different classes must be observed in the canteen. 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). When non-mixing between classes is not possible (especially in high school), the restriction on mixing applies by level;
• Cleaning of the premises: several times a day. The refectory tables are cleaned and disinfected, at a minimum, after each service and, if possible, after each meal;
• The pupils have lunch in groups and if possible, every day at the same table in the first stage with a distance of at least two meters from the pupils of the other classes. Individual service is set up (trays, cutlery, plate dressing, water), but bulk is prohibited.

What does level 2 provide for middle and high schools?

Middle and high school students remain at level 2 of the health protocol.

• face-to-face reception of all students.
• In principle, physical and sporting activities take place outdoors. In the event of bad weather, for example, activities can take place indoors with a distance of 2 meters.
• Wearing a mask is compulsory indoors for National Education staff.
• Wearing a mask is compulsory in confined spaces.
• The limitation of mixing between pupils of different groups (class, 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, as in nursery school for example. When this recommendation cannot be applied, in particular in high school, the limitation of mixing applies by level;
• Cleaning of the premises: several times a day. The refectory tables are cleaned and disinfected, at a minimum, after each service;
• In the canteen, the stability of the groups is sought and, as far as possible, the same pupils eat every day at the same table in the first stage. It is recommended to organize an individual service (trays, cutlery, water, serving on the plate or on the tray)

The health protocol for the 2021-2022 school year has four levels so that the measures are proportionate to the circulation of the virus.

School health protocol: Level 1 / green level

The Ministry of Education foresees four scenarios depending on the epidemic situation, with adaptations at the national or territorial level during the 2021-2022 school year. Distance education as well as physical and sports activities may be modified according to the level. Here is what the level 1 health protocol:

• face-to-face reception of all students;
• physical and sporting activities are permitted indoors and outdoors;
• for staff, wearing a mask is compulsory in confined spaces and the rules relating to wearing a mask outdoors in the general population are respected
• for students, wearing a mask is compulsory for middle and high school students in confined spaces. Thereby, it is no longer compulsory in primary, from CP.
• The restriction of mixing between groups of pupils (classes, groups of classes, levels) is not compulsory.
• Cleaning and disinfection of the premises: at least once a day. The refectory tables are cleaned and disinfected, at a minimum, after each service;
• In the canteen, the spaces must be arranged to allow as much distance as possible between the students

School health protocol: Level 4 / red level

• Systematic hybridization in high school and for fourth and third year students in middle school with a 50% enrollment limit.
• Regarding physical and sporting activities, they are kept outdoors, respecting a distance of 2 meters and suspended indoors.
• wearing a mask is compulsory in enclosed spaces and outdoors for staff
• The mask is compulsory in primary, middle and high school in enclosed spaces and outdoors
• Limitation of student mixing: the rules are the same as for level 3 (orange)
• Cleaning of the premises: several times a day, after each service, and if possible after each meal.
• In the canteen, the same rules as the orange level apply: no bulk, individual service, group lunch and if possible every day at the same table in the first degree.