LIVE | COVID-19: return to class on January 17 maintained

The Minister of Education, Jean-François Roberge

The Minister of Education Jean-François Roberge persists and signs : the face-to-face return to class will be on January 17, as planned. This is what he announced during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The health context is difficult, it is obvious. The variant is extremely contagious. However with the work that we do, with the equipment that we install and that we will install and with the precautions that are taken, it is important to mention that our schools are and will be safe.

The Minister of Jean-François Roberge Education

As soon as they return to class on January 17, nearly 3.6 million rapid tests will be distributed throughout Quebec. This equates to 5 tests per child. The operation will be repeated during the month of February, which will amount to a total of 7.2 million self-tests.

“When a child shows symptoms, they can be tested before sending them to school. Of course, we do not send him to school with symptoms, ”explains the Minister of Education. Jean-François Roberge specifies that students will be able to be tested at school, if they present symptoms during their school day.

As of January 15, members of the school staff will be able to use the tests PCR as essential workers. Thus, teachers will be added to the priority list for PCR tests.

When they return to class, masks will remain compulsory at all times in the school network except during meals. There will be more intervention masks for all students and school network staff.

Follow the press conference live.

More details coming soon