Government decision made: Some children return to school

From 18 January 2021, children in grades 1–3 of primary schools are returning to in-person learning.

The decision was announced during a press conference by the Minister of Health Adama Niedzielskiego and the Minister of Education Przemysława Czarnka.

Guidelines for grades 1–3 of primary schools

The return of students in grades 1–3 to schools will be possible only under a sanitary regime. Together with GIS and the Ministry of Health, we have prepared guidelines for schools. The rules developed are primarily intended to increase safety. To a large extent, these guidelines are based on provisions already known, for example, from September 2020. They include recommendations concerning the organization of classes, hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting rooms and surfaces, catering arrangements, and procedures in the event of suspected infection among school staff.

Screening tests for teachers

Screening tests for SARS-CoV-2 for teachers of grades 1–3 of primary schools, teachers at special schools, and administrative support staff began on Monday, 11 January 2021. The testing will continue until 15 January 2021.

The tests will be voluntary and free of charge. Not only teachers but also school employees may register for them, including administrative support staff, school management, secretariat staff, auxiliary staff, personnel responsible for the school’s technical operations, cleaning staff, and personnel carrying out ongoing repair work on school premises.

Where can you get tested?

The tests will be performed using PCR tests at sanitary inspection units and drive-through testing sites. Lists of sites and the times for collecting swabs from teachers and school employees will be published on the websites of the Voivodeship Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations and District Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations.

More information is available at gov.pl

Watch the press conference: