Read the video transcript here: open
Here in North Rhine-Westphalia the motto is again: Put your mask on in class.
This will apply again in all German schools in the future, from first graders to high school graduates.
The federal and state governments agreed on this on Thursday.
Many teachers worry about this:
Claudia Mohme, teacher
»The students are already doing a lot. The mask was allowed to be removed from the table for a month, so they had a bit of freedom. Unfortunately, we have now had to take away their freedom again. It will be a challenge in the next few days, also for us, to have to give the students something back on their way so that they can now wear them completely again
. "
But in view of the increasing number of corona cases, many doctors welcome the tightening of schools.
From their point of view, the alternative would be even more dramatic.
Axel Gerschlauer, pediatrician:
»Pediatricians and adolescents are very happy that politicians said 'the schools must not be closed again', which is great. That is exactly what we are asking for. Because we have seen that in these times of lockdown, in times of school closings, the children and young people suffered tremendously. We have seen a massive increase in the psychological stress of psychiatric illnesses, an extent really, we couldn't even imagine. "
Securing face-to-face teaching - that must have been decisive for the federal states when they agreed to a nationwide mask requirement in schools.
In many places the mask hadn't completely disappeared from the classrooms anyway.
Vaccinations would bring even more protection in the classroom for the youngest.
Axel Gerschlauer, pediatrician:
»The pediatric and adolescent medical practices are already being overrun with inquiries:› When can I have my five to eleven year old child vaccinated? vaccinate. We do the same with influenza every year.
«
The EU has already approved the corona vaccine for children between the ages of five and twelve.
The Standing Vaccination Commission is currently still examining whether it can also recommend this in principle.
Most medical practices adhere to the recommendations of Stiko.
