Berlin and Brandenburg: Kids Return to School Without Masks

In most of Germany’s federal states, the Easter vacation just ended. It’s back to school for some 370,000 pupils in Berlin alone. Masks will not be needed anymore, but Corona tests are mandatory.

Berlin, April 25th, 2022 (The Berlin Spectator) — In Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig Holstein, the Easter vacations ended last week. In the remaining eleven states it’s back to school today. In Brandenburg, this applies to some 250,000 pupils, while 370,000 schoolkids are back in class in Berlin.

Daily Corona Tests

Berlin got rid of the compulsory mask rule at schools on April 1st, 2022. Since then, everyone, including children, teachers and other school employees, need to test themselves for Corona three times per week. This even applies to vaccinated persons and those who recently recovered from COVID-19. During the first school week, which just started today, those mandatory Corona tests need to be conducted on a daily basis.

Just before the Easter vacations commenced, Berlin’s pupils had received the Corona tests they are supposed to use today. Berlin’s Education Senator Astrid-Sabine Busse wanted to make sure children who may have gotten infected during the vacations do not bring the virus to school. Local Corona outbreaks are the last thing anyone needs.

Exception for Seniors

There is an exception for seniors in twelfth grade, meaning they do not have to get tested while they are working on their Abitur (A-levels, high school diplomas). Many of them are already done with regular classes. They usually sit in large classrooms with a lot of room between tables when they write their exams.

For parent’s evenings, the ‘3G’ rule applies. This means all participants need to be vaccinated, show proof they recently recovered from Corona or present a fresh Corona test certificate with a negative result.

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Sneezing and Coughing

In neighboring Brandenburg, the mandatory mask rule was dumped on April 3rd, 2022. This week, schoolkids who are not fully vaccinated need to get tested three times. Teachers are required to test themselves every day. Starting next week, on May 2nd, hardly any Corona rules will be left at Brandenburg’s schools. No masks, no tests.

Of course, those who want to wear masks may still do so. This applies to both Berlin and Brandenburg. The authorities in both states have recommendations for all schools. They are supposed to ventilate their classrooms on a regular basis and make sure the children wash their hands. Persons who cough or sneeze should cover their noses and mouths with their arms.

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