35,000 students in Rhineland-Pfalz started their learning again on Monday 27 April.
The phased opening of schools went smoothly according to officials. In order to limit the spread of the Corona virus, strict hygiene requirements apply at the start of school day (distancing, disinfectant, masks).
On 4 May, around 130,000 more pupils will follow. Among them are some 34 000 in the fourth primary school classes, 26 000 in the secondary schools plus, 18 500 in integrated comprehensive schools and 40 000 in grammar schools. In secondary schools, this is mainly the case for young people from 9th, 10th or 11th grades.
At the same time, face masks were made obligatory when shopping and when travelling by bus, tram or train in and across the region.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, most Rhineland-Pfalz residents complied with the requirement on the first day of the new regulations.
Police reported that only a handful of cases in smaller shops such as bakeries or butchers required intervention.
Violations of the new mask rules will initially remain at a warning only. However, from next week on, an on the spot fine of ten euros will be administered.
Ministers in the region are calling for masks to be made free to all residents.
