With fall on the way, a wider spread of the coronavirus is likely. Schools in Estonia will continue to conduct rapid testing in the hope of avoiding a full–scale move to distance learning, says Tõnis Lukas, Minister of Education and Research, reports Estonian Public Broadcasting ERR.
On September 1, when pupils gather in school buildings again for the start of the new academic year, it is inevitable that the coronavirus may come with them. In an attempt to reduce the potential spread of the virus, the Ministry of Education and Research plans to provide schools once again with additional rapid coronavirus tests.
«To achieve this, an additional batch (of rapid tests) will be delivered to schools in August. Some (schools) will also have spring tests to follow. We will be in a position to react if there are outbreaks of the virus,» said Lukas.
Details about how to facilitate testing will be left to the school themselves to decide.
Lukas hopes it will be possible to avoid heavy restrictions on classroom–based learning during the upcoming school year.
Other factors, including the reduction of required self–isolation times for those receiving a positive coronavirus test, are also likely to increase possibility of keeping schools open as long as possible.
Schools will be responsible for decisions regarding the need to wear masks during on–site and classroom–based activities. If it to becomes embedded in a school’s culture is still very much up to the school, as it cannot be imposed across the country, considers Lukas
The number of coronavirus cases in Estonia is higher now than at the same time last year.
Head of the Health Board’s infectious diseases unit believes this should not be cause for undue alarm.
To avoid possible outbreaks in schools, there are two recommendations for those preparing for the new academic year. First, to get vaccine shots before fall, and second, if you do have symptoms, make sure to stay at home.
Minister of education stressed that the guidelines for schools could still change before the start of the school year, depending on how the situation develops. What is certain is that requirements to move to distance learning will not be implemented as hastily as before.