Flemish schools are invited to remain open as much as possible in the next few weeks even if Coronavirus infections were to continue to increase, under an “autumn plan” concluded between education sector partners and presented on Wednesday by Education Minister Ben Weyts.
The plan uses the four-level model of the Corona barometre (green, yellow, orange and red), along with room ventilation and CO2 measurements.
A mask mandate would only be imposed if it is also enforced elsewhere, but even in such cases, children in basic education would be spared.
To avoid penalising the weakest pupils, the closure of schools is not included in the plan, Mr. Weyts stressed.
It is therefore only in exceptional situations – cases of force majeure, for example – that a decision can be made at the local level to close certain classes or even a specific school for a short period.
The education sector has urged students, parents and teachers to stay home if they feel unwell and to exercise caution, depending on the places they frequent.
