“The subject of schools is a complex one, “says Sebastian Kurz after talking to the social partners. “A black and white decision is not possible.”
Starting next week, students should Austria be taught successively from home and via the e-learning method.
High school students at home from Monday to Easter
This will apply from Monday and first of all for all high school students and for all Austria. Reason: In these age groups, supervision of legal guardians is not mandatory.
In contrast to lower school and elementary school students. Here had to government and social partners find a way to ensure childcare options for the little ones.
Because: If the children stay at home, one parent has to take care of them. Grandparents who may have taken on these tasks to date should no longer do so, and they are the ones before Corona virus age group to be protected and at risk.
Lower school students should stay at home starting Wednesday
Pupils of lower grades and elementary schools as well as kindergarten children should stay at home from Wednesday, provided that they can be looked after there.
“Everyone who can be looked after at home should stay at home,” says Kurz. All other children will be cared for in facilities, the chancellor continues.
In short: “incisive measures”
The regulation should apply until the end of the Easter holidays. So until April 14th. “It is good, correct and necessary for this to take place now,” Kurz emphasizes the relevance of the “drastic measures”.
Fassmann: “Exponential increase is imminent”
“We are still in a linear increase, but the exponential increase is imminent,” said Minister of Education Heinz Fassmann Regarding the number of infected and argued the school closings.
A separate solution will have to be found for the school leavers, so Fassmann. “For 6 to 14 year olds, we do not close completely. If children can stay at home, they should stay at home. The gates of school remain open. “Corresponding communication channels to the parents would now be started.
According to this, teachers in the school to look after the children who are not in parental care.
Should more children in the school come as that is the plan of the government provides – so two thirds of the under-14-year-olds – there will be further measures, according to Kurz on request.
In short: “There is no reference example”
“There is no reference example,” explains Kurz. China be a drastic example. One wants to “react drastically and quickly”.
The Minister of Education stressed that “no criteria are set for parents” whether they can leave their children at home or not. There will be a letter soon, says Fassmannwho appeals to the solidarity of society.
Anschober: “We will have to live differently”
Minister of Health Rudolf Anschober stresses that everyone has to take individual measures and limit their social contacts in order to minimize the risk of infection.
“We will have to live differently.” Renate Anderl, President of the Chamber of Labor, emphasizes that childcare is particularly important for those under the age of 14. “It is a joint, important step by the social partners and a good measure.” ÖGB President Wolfgang Katzian joins the previous speakers. “These measures must be implemented solely because of the development of the infection numbers. Nobody is freed from having fewer social contacts,” said Katzian, “but we are committed to it.”
Mahrer: “Unprecedented exceptional situation in the Republic”
Harald Mahrer, President of the Chamber of Commerce, speaks of an “unprecedented exceptional situation” and explicitly welcomes the joint measures taken by the social partners.
Gerry Foitik, Federal Rescue Commandant of Red Cross, warns that everyone must and should rethink their own priorities in order to save lives.
The KURIER reports live.
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