© Didier Weber / RTL
The Minister of Education told the press on Thursday that there were currently no plans to extend the Christmas holidays, nor were there plans to return to homeschooling in spite of the rising cases in Luxembourg's schools.
However, Claude Meisch said nothing could be excluded at this point, as he addressed the media in Thursday's briefing.
Infections in primary schools are currently rising quickly, but this was to be expected, added Meisch, as children under 12 are not eligible for vaccination. He said the increase was not considered exponential, however.
Over the last 7 days, some 644 positive cases were identified in primary schools, compared to 612 the week before. There are significantly fewer infections in secondary schools - 237 cases over the last week - as 70% of pupils are currently vaccinated.
The vaccine was therefore playing an important role in keeping schools open, Meisch continued. He said the recent advice from the Superior Council of Infectious Diseases, which did not recommend general vaccination for children under 12 unless they are considered at risk, was a regrettable decision.
In terms of infections, there are big differences depending on the school or geographical location. The minister suggested data on the number of cases by region could be published on Friday, if approved by the government council. He also issued a reminder that masks are compulsory for a week if a case is detected within a class.
Daily screening is currently taking place in primary schools, with around 90% of pupils participating in the daily tests. Meisch said he would not make the testing mandatory as it would risk excluding 10% of students from lessons.
The press conference also covered the latest education report, put together by independent experts from the University of Luxembourg, in order to analyse the quality of the national curriculum.
