Students will be able to re-enter their institutions, which had been closed to the public since March 16 due to the coronavirus. They will be encouraged to wear a mask in classrooms, the Ministry of Higher Education announced on Thursday. The latter published a circular which should allow universities and grandes écoles "to welcome the largest number of students, in compliance with health instructions" from September.
After the deconfinement started on May 11, schools had gradually reopened their doors in France but those of higher education, including 74 universities, had remained closed to prevent the spread of the epidemic. According to the ministerial circular, the health situation now makes it possible to issue "more flexible" instructions even if it requires "the maintenance of vigilance justified by the still present circulation of the virus".
"We are working hand in hand with institutions to put in place measures at the start of the school year that protect teachers, staff and students from the virus while allowing them to come together by favoring face-to-face as much as possible", commented the Minister of Higher Education, Frédérique Vidal, quoted in a press release.
Mask required in libraries
With this new protocol, the rules of distance - one meter between each student or a seat left vacant in confined spaces - must be respected. When this is not materially possible, wearing a mask will be "compulsory" and will be so in "all circumstances" inside libraries.
The enclosed spaces must also be ventilated "twice a day" and the movement of students must be regulated to avoid "too large groupings and crossings". The size of the amphitheatres will thus have to "be adapted".
This relaxed protocol will apply in establishments, campuses, residences and university restaurants, but may be called into question in the event of the resumption of the epidemic which could lead to "localized reconfigurations", warns the ministry. In this perspective, the circular encourages universities to immediately plan for measures allowing "pedagogical continuity" through online education.
