The Minister for Education, Claude Meisch, held a press conference on Friday morning to address concerns surrounding school closures, which will affect around 20,000 staff members in the sector as well as pupils and students.
Parents who will need to take time off work to look after their children over the next fortnight will be entitled to additional leave for familial reasons. The forms required will be uploaded to the National Health fund website, where they will be available from Friday evening. The minister urged parents to be sensible when allocating child care responsibilities and suggested parents work with friends and neighbours to find the best solutions, while still allowing those who are employed in the health sector to attend work.
All schools, creches, adult learning courses, music classes and the University of Luxembourg will be observing the two week closure. Clubs aimed at children and youths will also close, such as Scouts or youth centres.
The 150,000 pupils affected should use the next two weeks to continue education at home, with the Ministry providing a number of online resources. Useful documents can be found at the website schouldoheem2020.men.lu. A hotline has also been set up for parents and educators with queries on home education. The number to call is 8002-9090.
The Ministry expects to reevaluate the situation by 29 March. No further decisions will be taken until this date.
