Coronavirus: Government under fire for keeping schools open
4 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus: Government under fire for keeping schools open

Dutch News  

The government came under heavy fire in parliament on Thursday evening following the announcement of new measures to combat the spread of coronavirus. In particular, both opposition and coalition parties slammed the decision not to close daycare centres, primary schools and secondary schools, partly because it would force healthcare staff to stay home and look after their children. And I would agree with them.’ Ruling party D66 said the decision not to close schools in Noord-Brabant, which has been hardest hit by the virus, was placing a large amount of responsibility on the shoulders of school heads. ‘And I listen when people tell me that if we close the schools that we will miss a lot of essential healthcare workers, firemen and women and the police.’ Rutte also denied that the Netherlands is trying to catch up with the disease. ‘The economic side effects of the measures have to be monitored for an over-reaction, which could make the damage worse,’ the paper said.

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History of this topic

Closing schools to force parents to work from home was simply wrong, says union
2 years, 3 months ago

Closing schools to force parents to work from home was simply wrong, says union

NL Times  

The second coronavirus-related school closures in the Netherlands in mid-December 2020 caused “confusion and frustration among parents” because the Cabinet said the closures were to let parents work from home, not to protect the children, the Dutch Safety Board said in its second coronavirus report on Wednesday. “This report confirms that the school closures were also taken to force parents …

Netherlands 'needs to step up preparations for autumn Covid outbreak'
2 years, 8 months ago

Netherlands 'needs to step up preparations for autumn Covid outbreak'

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is poorly prepared for a new surge in coronavirus infections in the autumn because of failures to put basic safety measures in place such as ventilation in schools, health experts have warned. ‘Covid care isn’t rocket science,’ Armand Girbes, head of intensive care at Amsterdam’s UMC teaching hospital.’ It’s more efficient to concentrate healthcare rather than implement it …

Netherlands 'needs to step up preparations for autumn Covid outbreak'
2 years, 8 months ago

Netherlands 'needs to step up preparations for autumn Covid outbreak'

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is poorly prepared for a new surge in coronavirus infections in the autumn because of failures to put basic safety measures in place such as ventilation in schools, health experts have warned. ‘Covid care isn’t rocket science,’ Armand Girbes, head of intensive care at Amsterdam’s UMC teaching hospital.’ It’s more efficient to concentrate healthcare rather than implement it …

No justification now for keeping schools closed in view of COVID-19: World Bank Education Director
3 years ago

No justification now for keeping schools closed in view of COVID-19: World Bank Education Director

The Hindu  

There is no justification now for keeping schools closed in view of the pandemic and even if there are new waves, closing schools should be the last resort, according to the World Bank's Global Education Director Jaime Saavedra. Talking about the impact of school closures due to the pandemic in India, Mr. Saavedra said the "impact is more severe than …

'No evidence that reopening schools caused Covid surge': World Bank Education Director
3 years ago

'No evidence that reopening schools caused Covid surge': World Bank Education Director

India TV News  

Highlights There is no justification now for keeping schools closed in view of pandemic: World Bank official There is no relation between opening schools and spread of coronavirus, he said. There is no justification now for keeping schools closed in view of the pandemic and even if there are new waves, closing schools should be the last resort, according to …

Cabinet to decide today if schools will reopen next week
3 years ago

Cabinet to decide today if schools will reopen next week

NL Times  

The Cabinet will decide on Monday if children will be allowed to return to school next week. The Cabinet last month ordered all primary and secondary schools to close one week before the Christmas holidays due to the rapid emergence of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus. During that press conference, RIVM director Jaap van Dissel also predicted that …

Amsterdam schools fed up with slow Cabinet Covid policy
3 years ago

Amsterdam schools fed up with slow Cabinet Covid policy

NL Times  

Many of the 220 primary schools in Amsterdam plan to welcome Group 8 students back to classrooms immediately after the winter vacation ends on January 9, regardless of the Cabinet's pending decision to keep schools closed as part of the ongoing lockdown. When one considers that the students will have to work towards concluding primary school, select their secondary school …

Plans ‘being drawn up by schools to remain closed after New Year’
3 years, 1 month ago

Plans ‘being drawn up by schools to remain closed after New Year’

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said that …

Primary schools set to close early, evening lockdown to run to January 14: NOS
3 years, 1 month ago

Primary schools set to close early, evening lockdown to run to January 14: NOS

Dutch News  

Prime minister Mark Rutte and health minister Hugo de Jonge are expected to announce that primary schools will close on Friday for the winter break at Tuesday evening’s press conference, Dutch media report. The government’s Outbreak Management Team recommended closing primary schools early because youngsters currently account for the largest share of new infections. In addition, the recommendation that individual …

Primary schools set to close early, evening lockdown to run to January 14: NOS
3 years, 1 month ago

Primary schools set to close early, evening lockdown to run to January 14: NOS

Dutch News  

Prime minister Mark Rutte and health minister Hugo de Jonge are expected to announce that primary schools will close on Friday for the winter break at Tuesday evening’s press conference, Dutch media report. The government’s Outbreak Management Team recommended closing primary schools early because youngsters currently account for the largest share of new infections. In addition, the recommendation that individual …

Closing schools again unfairly punishes kids: School leaders
3 years, 1 month ago

Closing schools again unfairly punishes kids: School leaders

NL Times  

While closing schools may help reduce the number of coronavirus infections, it would be terribly unfair to the children, according to primary schools' organization PO-Raad. On Wednesday, the PO-Raad, secondary schools' organization VO-Raad, university association VSNU, and education union AOb called on the Cabinet to prioritize education staff for Covid-19 booster shots. Children's Ombudsman Margrite Kalverboer asked the Cabinet to …

Outbreak experts advised keeping schools open: report
3 years, 1 month ago

Outbreak experts advised keeping schools open: report

NL Times  

The Outbreak Management Team advised the Cabinet to keep all levels of education open, sources told NOS. While there are many coronavirus infections in schools, the OMT believes the government must do everything in its power to keep the schools open. The PO-Raad, the umbrella organization for primary schools, also urged the Cabinet to keep schools open. New infections have …

Coronavirus lockdowns mean home learning is back, but experts say it comes at a cost
3 years, 5 months ago

Coronavirus lockdowns mean home learning is back, but experts say it comes at a cost

ABC  

India Kerr's first years in high school have not gone as expected. "If the cases are the lowest they can be in the community … the risk of a case becoming apparent in a school will decline," Professor Macartney said. A study from Sweden, where in 2020 lower-secondary schools stayed open but upper-secondary schools closed, found leaving schools open had …

95% of schools fully open on Monday: Ministry
3 years, 7 months ago

95% of schools fully open on Monday: Ministry

NL Times  

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science expects that 95 percent of secondary schools in the Netherlands to be fully open on Monday. The majority of schools that were reluctant to reopen last week will do so now, following talks with the Education Inspectorate and the Ministry, NOS reported. For this, one becomes a teacher and this is what makes …

Coronavirus has impacted on children worldwide, Dutch NGO says
3 years, 7 months ago

Coronavirus has impacted on children worldwide, Dutch NGO says

Dutch News  

The Netherlands has risen one place to fifth in the annual KidsRights index, drawn up by global NGO Kids Rights Foundation which monitors how children’s rights are being respected and improved. The coronavirus pandemic has had a ‘devastating impact’ on children worldwide, the Netherlands-based foundation says. ‘With the ongoing global pandemic, we had to address the devastating impacts and outcomes …

The Netherlands ready to relax Covid rules, if hospital admission decline further
3 years, 8 months ago

The Netherlands ready to relax Covid rules, if hospital admission decline further

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is ready to take new steps to wind down its coronavirus measures, if the decline in hospital admissions continues, and that includes longer opening hours for cafes and fewer regulations for sports and keep fit clubs. ‘It remains a balancing act,’ prime minister Mark Rutte told reporters on Tuesday evening, after the national health institute RIVM reported the …

Ministers want education fully open after May holiday period
3 years, 8 months ago

Ministers want education fully open after May holiday period

NL Times  

Secondary schools and secondary vocational education must be fully reopened after the May holidays, Ministers Wouter Koolmees from Social Affairs, Wopke Hoekstra from Finance and Bas van 't Wout from the Economic Affairs concluded, ANP reported based on the documents that were released after the Catshuis meeting on Sunday. High school students are now able to physically attend lessons at …

"Fingers crossed" that schools can remain open, Minister says
3 years, 9 months ago

"Fingers crossed" that schools can remain open, Minister says

NL Times  

Departing Minister Arie Slob for Primary and Secondary Education has his "fingers crossed" that schools can remain open, he said on Tuesday. For now it is still possible to let kids go to school, but the number of coronavirus infections is also rising among children, ANP reports. According to Slob, the increase of infections among children up to 12 years …

Coronavirus rule relaxation is risky but responsible, Rutte says
3 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus rule relaxation is risky but responsible, Rutte says

Dutch News  

As expected, prime minister Mark Rutte announced four changes to the current coronavirus regulations at Tuesday evening’s press conference, but said the curfew will be extended until the morning of March 15. Old lives ‘It will still be a while before we get our old lives back,’ health minister Hugo de Jonge said. ‘And we are now seeing the first …

Ministers warn that any change to coronavirus rules will be cautious
3 years, 10 months ago

Ministers warn that any change to coronavirus rules will be cautious

Dutch News  

Any changes in the current coronavirus measures will be confined to ‘small cautious steps’ even if a relaxation of the rules is an option, health minister Hugo de Jonge told reporters after Friday’s meeting with regional safety board chiefs. Ministers will meet at the prime minister’s official residence on Sunday to discuss the latest situation and will take to health …

'It's not looking good,' says Rutte ahead of key coronavirus decisions
3 years, 10 months ago

'It's not looking good,' says Rutte ahead of key coronavirus decisions

Dutch News  

The current coronavirus measures are likely to be extended into March, prime minister Mark Rutte hinted on Thursday, during the debate on enshrining the curfew into emergency pandemic legislation. Rutte and De Jonge said earlier their priority is to reopen secondary schools and on Friday 50 organisations, including Unicef and social work association Jeugdzorg Nederland, called on the government to …

Amsterdam, Rotterdam school leaders plead for secondary schools to reopen
3 years, 11 months ago

Amsterdam, Rotterdam school leaders plead for secondary schools to reopen

NL Times  

The leaders of secondary schools in Amsterdam and Rotterdam asked the Ministry of Education to also allow their pupils to return to school. They are worried about the "development and well-being" of their pupils, they said in a letter to Minister Arie Slob for Primary and Secondary Education, NOS reports. The school leaders want secondary schools to open after spring …

Almost all primary schools open again
3 years, 11 months ago

Almost all primary schools open again

NL Times  

Almost all primary schools in the Netherlands are now open to physical education again, though many are still struggling to adhere to all the coronavirus rules, according to a survey by the general association of school leaders AVS among a thousand primary schools. Only 0.4 percent of primary schools are still only giving online classes, NU.nl reports. Face masks in …

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (February 2)
3 years, 11 months ago

Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (February 2)

Dutch News  

No decision has yet been taken about whether the curfew in the Netherlands should be extended but the government has confirmed primary schools will reopen on February 8. If any pupil or teacher tests positive for coronavirus, the entire class must go into quarantine and take a test after five days. Shops Non food shops, which have been closed since …

Caution urged about relaxing rules ahead of coronavirus press conference
3 years, 11 months ago

Caution urged about relaxing rules ahead of coronavirus press conference

Dutch News  

Prime minister Mark Rutte and health minister Hugo de Jonge will hold a press conference on Tuesday evening to outline the latest steps in the government’s strategy to get coronavirus under control. Non-essential shops may also be able to open their doors for order pick-ups, broadcaster NOS said on Monday, but, according to RTL, restaurants and museums will remain shut …

Coronavirus UK: Children's Commissioner demands clear plan on vaccinating school teachers
3 years, 11 months ago

Coronavirus UK: Children's Commissioner demands clear plan on vaccinating school teachers

Daily Mail  

The Children's Commissioner today insisted teachers should receive Covid-19 vaccinations after the first on the priority list as calls grow for schools to reopen. Children's Commissioner Anne Longfieldwants teachers to be prioritised for Covid-19 jabs as most pupils across Britain continue to carry out their schoolwork at home Prime Minister Boris Johnson demonstrates the two metre social distancing rule during …

Cabinet experts say primary schools can reopen on February 8: NOS
3 years, 11 months ago

Cabinet experts say primary schools can reopen on February 8: NOS

Dutch News  

Primary schools and childcare centres can open again on February 8, government coronavirus experts say in their latest recommendations to the cabinet, ahead of Sunday’s key meeting. Nevertheless, the Outbreak Management Team’s new advice does say that relaxing the rules carries risks in the form of hospital and IC admissions, broadcaster NOS said on Saturday, quoting the leaked document. In …

Outbreak team tells Dutch government to reopen primary schools: Report
3 years, 11 months ago

Outbreak team tells Dutch government to reopen primary schools: Report

NL Times  

The outgoing Dutch Cabinet has received official advice from the Outbreak Management Team to allow schools and daycare facilities to reopen, according to NOS. The advisory statement, obtained by the broadcaster before its public release, will be the topic of discussion during a Sunday meeting at Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s official residence which will include Cabinet ministers and OMT members. …

Rutte: Primary schools could reopen Feb. 8; Lockdown exit plan being prepared
3 years, 11 months ago

Rutte: Primary schools could reopen Feb. 8; Lockdown exit plan being prepared

NL Times  

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it was still possible for primary schools in the Netherlands to open their doors and begin in-person classroom lessons on Monday, February 8, but it would depend on a final report from the Outbreak Management Team on the spread of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus among children. More information about the schools, and …

Cabinet considering five-stage lockdown exit plan, starting with schools
3 years, 11 months ago

Cabinet considering five-stage lockdown exit plan, starting with schools

Dutch News  

Reopening primary schools and childcare will be the first stage of a ‘route map’ out of the lockdown when coronavirus infection levels have fallen to a safer level, according to sources quoted in the Parool. Prime minister Mark Rutte is said to be in favour of publishing a detailed exit plan to give ‘perspective’ on the progress of the lockdown. …

Dutch government will keep schools closed past Jan. 25: Report
4 years ago

Dutch government will keep schools closed past Jan. 25: Report

NL Times  

The leading advisors to the Dutch Cabinet on issues related to the coronavirus pandemic will tell Prime Minister Mark Rutte that the country's schools should remain closed for the time being. Sources close to the outgoing Cabinet ministers told the broadcaster that the government will accept the advice and will keep the schools and childcare locations closed. Rutte has called …

U.K. hits daily coronavirus record, is urged to keep schools closed
4 years ago

U.K. hits daily coronavirus record, is urged to keep schools closed

The Hindu  

With daily coronavirus infections surging as a result of a new virus variant, the British government faced mounting pressure on Saturday from teachers’ unions to keep schools in England closed for at least another two weeks. The government, which oversees schools in England, has already decided to keep all schools in London closed next week to try to stem new …

UK hits daily virus record, is urged to keep schools closed
4 years ago

UK hits daily virus record, is urged to keep schools closed

Associated Press  

LONDON — With daily coronavirus infections surging as a result of a new virus variant, the British government faced mounting pressure Saturday from teachers’ unions to keep schools in England closed for at least another two weeks. The government, which oversees schools in England, has already decided to keep all schools in London closed next week to try to stem …

Dutch medical experts ask government to postpone reopening schools
4 years ago

Dutch medical experts ask government to postpone reopening schools

NL Times  

In a letter to the Cabinet on Tuesday titled “Playing with fire”, the Red Team, an independent group of medical experts and scientists, strongly advised the government to reconsider opening schools back up in mid-January. “The new variants are almost certainly more infectious than the dominant variant in the Netherlands”, so Red Team. A preliminary report conducted by the Imperial …

Government will rethink primary school closures if figures allow it: Rutte
4 years, 1 month ago

Government will rethink primary school closures if figures allow it: Rutte

Dutch News  

The cabinet is prepared to look at reopening primary schools earlier than January 18, if coronavirus infection rates allow it, prime minister Mark Rutte said during Tuesday’s debate on the new measures. ‘Forcing parents to work at home by taking away children’s education?’ party leader Jesse Klaver said during the debate. Given Schiphol airport, churches and football can go ahead, …

Government will rethink primary school closures if figures allow it: Rutte
4 years, 1 month ago

Government will rethink primary school closures if figures allow it: Rutte

Dutch News  

The cabinet is prepared to look at reopening primary schools earlier than January 18, if coronavirus infection rates allow it, prime minister Mark Rutte said during Tuesday’s debate on the new measures. ‘Forcing parents to work at home by taking away children’s education?’ party leader Jesse Klaver said during the debate. Given Schiphol airport, churches and football can go ahead, …

Government advisors had called for ‘urgent action’ as coronavirus cases mounted
4 years, 1 month ago

Government advisors had called for ‘urgent action’ as coronavirus cases mounted

Dutch News  

The government took the decision to impose a tougher lockdown in the Netherlands on the recommendation of its own advisors who said action needed to be taken as soon as possible, official documents show. The Outbreak Management Team presented unanimous advice to ministers, saying the current package of measures had to be extended ‘as soon as possible’ to reduce pressure …

Cabinet sets up coronavirus fund for schools to tackle lack of staff
4 years, 2 months ago

Cabinet sets up coronavirus fund for schools to tackle lack of staff

Dutch News  

The education ministry is freeing up an extra €210m for schools struggling with problems caused by the coronavirus crisis, such as lack of teaching and support staff. The money, which will become available from next year, is meant to alleviate increasing work pressure due to teachers having to go into quarantine and to prevent pupils from having to be sent …

Coronavirus sees schools in US close, while Europe keeps them open
4 years, 2 months ago

Coronavirus sees schools in US close, while Europe keeps them open

CNN  

London CNN — Late last month, Ireland entered a strict, six-week lockdown against the spread of Covid-19, under which social gatherings are prohibited, exercise permitted only within five kilometers of the home, and bars and restaurants closed. “European countries have made a choice, I suppose, that trying to keep schools open is very important.” US school shutdowns Detroit Public Schools …

Lessons From Europe, Where Cases Are Rising But Schools Are Open
4 years, 2 months ago

Lessons From Europe, Where Cases Are Rising But Schools Are Open

NPR  

Lessons From Europe, Where Cases Are Rising But Schools Are Open Enlarge this image toggle caption Serge Haouzi/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images Serge Haouzi/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images Updated on Jan. 30 at 7:47 p.m. Sponsor Message Barve says everyone is doing their part: "It's a little bit of choppy water, but if people are swimming in their own lanes, there's less …

Covid experts: Shut all schools during second wave
4 years, 2 months ago

Covid experts: Shut all schools during second wave

NL Times  

Schoolchildren form a growing group of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands population. The Red Team, a group of independent experts, is therefore calling on the government to immediately close all schools, BNR reports. So far 67 schools have had more than 10 coronavirus infections, Ginny Mooy of the Red Team said to BNR. The Outbreak Management Team is also against …

Covid outbreak: One of NL's largest schools closed for two weeks
4 years, 3 months ago

Covid outbreak: One of NL's largest schools closed for two weeks

NL Times  

The Pius X College in Bladel, one of the largest secondary schools in the Netherlands with 2,265 pupils and 320 staff, is closing for two weeks due to the coronavirus. As the GGD cannot do source and contact tracing for everyone, and the school can't say with certainty whether the infections happened elsewhere, the Pius X College decided to close …

France's Education Minister Says 22 Schools Closed amid Surge in Coronavirus Cases
4 years, 4 months ago

France's Education Minister Says 22 Schools Closed amid Surge in Coronavirus Cases

News 18  

France’s education minister on Friday said 22 schools have had to shut on French territory due to the coronavirus since pupils returned to school this week, emphasising that over half of these were in the Indian Ocean island of La Reunion. Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told Europe 1 radio that he was however pleased with how the return to school …

Coronavirus: With textbooks and face masks, Europe's children return to school
4 years, 4 months ago

Coronavirus: With textbooks and face masks, Europe's children return to school

India Today  

Tens of millions of pupils returned to school in France, Poland and Russia on Tuesday, their rucksacks loaded with exercise books, geometry sets and, for many, face masks to protect them from a resurgent coronavirus pandemic. Hand cleansing stations, social distancing and staggered play time will become the new normal as countries across Europe seek ways to get children back …

A national school lockdown will not happen again, education minister says
4 years, 4 months ago

A national school lockdown will not happen again, education minister says

Dutch News  

A national lockdown of schools must be prevented at all cost, and local or regional closures are the most likely scenario if coronavirus is makes a comeback, education minister Arie Slob has told the AD in an interview. However suggestions that the government prioritise teachers when testing for coronavirus, which would enable those with symptoms to get back to work …

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson urges parents to send children back to school
4 years, 4 months ago

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson urges parents to send children back to school

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson has appealed to parents to send their children to …

Coronavirus: ‘Very low’ risks to children mean school reopenings are safe, expert says
4 years, 5 months ago

Coronavirus: ‘Very low’ risks to children mean school reopenings are safe, expert says

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Prof Viner revealed the Public Health England study as Boris Johnson beefed up his pledge …

Covid-19: Quarter of Dutch schools don't have proper ventilation
4 years, 5 months ago

Covid-19: Quarter of Dutch schools don't have proper ventilation

NL Times  

About a quarter of Dutch schools do not have proper ventilation, which could promote the spread of the coronavirus, according to research at the Eindhoven University of Technology. "With corona, good ventilation is of great importance," installations professor Wim Zeiler said to AD. While public health institute RIVM still says that there is no conclusive evidence that the coronavirus can …

Coronavirus: Pubs and shops must close before schools in any future lockdown, children’s commissioner warns PM
4 years, 5 months ago

Coronavirus: Pubs and shops must close before schools in any future lockdown, children’s commissioner warns PM

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Publishing a briefing paper on putting children first in future lockdowns, she insisted that education …

Coronavirus | States, Union Territories differ on date for reopening schools
4 years, 5 months ago

Coronavirus | States, Union Territories differ on date for reopening schools

The Hindu  

More than half the States and Union Territories, including COVID-19 hotspots Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have not yet decided on a date for reopening schools, the Centre was told at a meeting this week. The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development has also asked the States to gauge parents’ opinions on the issue and submit it by Monday, offering options …

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