It will be a fact in all schools from Monday: an empty classroom with the chairs on the desks in Stabio. Image: KEYSTONE / Ti-Press
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Schools close – are the pupils now free of school? 10 answers to the school ban
It is a drastic measure for all pupils, students, teachers – and for the parents of school-age children: The Federal Council prohibits teaching in all schools because of the corona virus.
What exactly has the federal government decided?
No classes are allowed to take place in all schools in Switzerland in the next three weeks. This also applies to universities and training facilities. Tests that have already been scheduled can be carried out – however protective measures must be taken. The Federal Council did not specify which exactly. The rule applies at least until April 4. What happens next is open.
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Can the students look forward to school-free weeks?
Not necessarily. The Federal Council prohibits all face-to-face events at schools; However, lessons on the Internet can take place. The President of the Swiss Teachers’ Association, Dagmar Rösler, assumes that those schools that are technically equipped will make use of it. Above all, that should be upper grades. The schools had prepared for this, says Rösler.
The Federal Council had long opposed closings. Why is this U-turn now?
So far, the federal government has argued that if schools were closed, many children would be looked after by grandparents – and that was to be prevented. Yesterday he turned around. Federal Councilor Alain Berset explained the U-turn with a new study: This shows that school closings have an effect on the spread of the virus. In addition, it had been shown in the canton of Ticino that the population did not understand if only extra-mandatory schools were closed. The school closings in other countries apparently also played a role.
Should the grandparents take care now?
No, the Federal Council strongly advises against this. The corona virus is particularly dangerous for older people. “We have to do everything we can to prevent generations from mixing,” said Health Minister Berset.
Then who should look after the children?
The Federal Council appealed to employers to be flexible. And he called on the cantons to create childcare options. The cantons had assured that they would be able to organize this, the Federal Council said. However, they are not obliged to do so. The Confederation explains that the cantons want to be given this freedom.
Are the cantons actually creating offers?
That still has to be seen. Certain cantons announced yesterday that care would be offered. The procedure is different: Aargau, for example, has instructed the schools to provide childcare facilities, in Lucerne the municipalities have to ensure this. Other cantons such as Thurgau and Bern have already announced that they will create an offer.
The children meet there anyway. Isn’t that a contradiction?
No, says the Federal Council. During class, there were 20 to 25 children in one room, so it was impossible to keep away, argued Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga. It is different with childcare offers: fewer children would come, so it would be possible to keep your distance.
What if there is no childcare option? Are parents entitled to wages if they have to stay at home to look after their children?
It is not clear. According to Roger Rudolph, professor of labor law at the University of Zurich, the law in this case is not clear. And the courts have not yet decided this question. “The only thing left to do is wait for a verdict,” he says. However, this could take years. According to Rudolph, it is clear that if a child is sick or has to stay at home because of contact with an infected person, there is a right to wages – at least for a few days.
What about nurseries?
The Federal Council has decided nothing on this. “The cantons are responsible for crèches,” said Berset. In principle, crèches can continue to maintain their offer – unless the canton responsible decides otherwise.
What do the teachers think of the measures?
The teachers’ association supports this. The ban is logical, because it is impossible to keep the required distance, especially in the lower school levels, he said. Now information and clear instructions from the cantons on childcare are needed.
