With the rise in Covid-19 cases, the proper functioning of schools is greatly disrupted.
In Bordeaux, due to the high rate of absenteeism of municipal agents, the town hall can no longer ensure the distribution of daily meals in school canteens.
As a result, from Monday January 24, parents are asked to provide a picnic for their child two days a week.
119 nursery and primary schools are concerned.
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Contacted by
Le Figaro
, Sylvie Schmitt, deputy mayor in charge of Education, Childhood and Youth, confirms that nearly 190 municipal agents out of 892 are currently suffering from Covid-19 or contact case. “
An unprecedented situation
”, specifies the elected official. The town hall of Bordeaux claims to have favored the reception of students rather “
than a total closure of the school canteen.
»
For three weeks, until the February holidays, parents therefore have two options: either provide a cold meal twice a week, or keep their child at home for lunch.
According to Sylvie Schmitt, “
there were no alternatives.
The supervision of children with an absenteeism rate of 20% is not tenable.
»
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The Education Assistant points out that, since the start of the pandemic, the teams in the canteens have been in great demand in the face of “
heavy
health protocols.
Initially, measures had been taken to relieve the agents.
"
We had opted for paper plates, which reduce the need for staff for the dishes, but that was not enough"
, concludes Sylvie Schmitt.
35 positions have been opened by the town hall, but, to date, only 15 have been filled.
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