The Legault government will present its updated plan for the start of the school year today at 1 p.m. Clear guidelines and explanations on the government's choices are awaited by the education community.
Will wearing a mask be compulsory in high school? If so, what type of mask? How will the concept of bubbles work in classrooms and schools? What to do in the event of an outbreak and how will distance training be provided if new containment is declared? The Minister of Education, Jean-François Roberge, the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé and the National Director of Public Health, Dr Horracio Arruda, will try answer all these questions today at 1PM
Jean-François Roberge, will have to convince that the plan deployed will ensure the success of the students and the safety of all. His only statement of the last week was made on his Twitter account last Thursday. I can't wait to take stock and reassure everyone early next week, he wrote.
Wearing the mask
The question of wearing a mask in high school will probably be resolved. The government currently exempts primary and secondary schools from wearing masks in its guidelines. However, the government also requires that it be worn by young people aged 12 and over in closed public places and on public transport.
"The question of the mask in high school will be reassessed", said Dr Horracio Arruda.
Wearing a mask was already compulsory for secondary school students in school transport. Other provinces, such as Ontario, have chosen to require it in schools as of fourth grade age 10 years old.
Bubbles
The concept of bubbles also raises questions. The formation of closed groups, divided into sub-groups of up to six students is part of the plan presented last June. The objective is to limit interactions between the students and to ensure a much easier follow-up in the event of a declaration of a case in a class.
But a question still remains, what will they do when they arrive, during breaks, at lunchtime?