Greece’s education ministry issued an urgent circular on Friday afternoon detailing personal hygiene measures that pupils, staff and teachers should follow when returning to schools on Monday. Schools reopen on Jan. 8 after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
The warning and recommendations come amid a spike of Covid-19 infections and flu outbreak in the country.
In the circular, the ministry recommends regular and intensive hand-washing, use of antiseptic liquids and wipes, proper ventilation of interior spaces, keeping social distances, covering one’s mouth with the elbow or a wipe when sneezing or coughing, and most importantly, staying home and avoiding contact with others if exhibiting symptoms or testing positive.
Additionally, the ministry said up to five school day absences attributed to a registered Covid-19 infection will not be counted in the 2023-24 academic year.
