The Minister of Education, Cristina Uriarte, announced the main measures approved by the Basque Government for the start of this extraordinary academic year on 28 August. The measures examined and defined by the Departments of Education and Health were explained at a meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Basque Civil Protection Plan (LABI) in the Presidency, which were sent to educational agents and schools.

As a result of the evolution of the pandemic, “General Protocol for action against coronavirus in schools. (2020-2021 academic year) ”The Basque Government has had to update some of the activities and measures included in the document. This protocol was sent to schools and the educational community at the end of June and shortly afterwards the document “Occupational Risk Prevention Measures in Schools in the Basque Country to Address the Risk of Being Affected by COVID-19” was sent to them. The measures now taken by the Basque Government have updated some of the contents of these documents, as well as specifying the dates for the start of the educational stages in school. They have also identified reinforcements for schools.

Start dates

The school calendar approved for the start of this school year was supposed to have a general start from September 7th. But the evolution of the pandemic suggests a gradual return to the rooms. Thus, the calendar is set as follows:

• Infant and Primary Education and Secondary 1 and 2: start of the school year from September 7 (according to the calendar established by each school).
• Secondary 3 and 4, and Baccalaureate: start of the school year on 15 September.

With regard to Vocational Training, due to the need to organize workshops and internships in the workplace, students will return during September, starting on the following days:

• Higher Prof. Education:
  • Level 2: September 14
  • Level 1: September 16
• Intermediate Lanb. Education:
  • Level 2: September 21st
  • Level 1: September 23
•  Basic Lanb. Education: If provided in Vocational Training schools:
  • Level 2: September 28
  • Level 1: September 30
• If given at municipal centers:
  • Level 2: September 14
  • Level 1: September 16

Personal prevention measures

With regard to personal prevention measures, the June Protocol and the Occupational Risk Prevention Measures presented in July already cover key aspects. However, some measures have been identified or added in order to strengthen the safety of schools.
If so, the Department of Education and Health believes it is important to strengthen the use of the mask. It will be compulsory to use it at all times from the 1st year of Primary Education, even if it is kept at a distance of 1.5 meters between people. It will not be compulsory in Early Childhood Education. In the case of teachers, they should always use a mask

School management

For schools, each will have a supervisor to work on aspects related to COVID-19. This person, together with the management of the center, will be responsible for the coordination with Public Health.
Each school will also have a reference ESI (Integrated Health Organization). If a student or teacher has symptoms that are compatible with COVID-19, he or she should not go to school. If the case is finally confirmed, the school will contact its reference ESI, and Public Health guidelines will be followed at all times.

In order to monitor the evolution of the situation, assess it, take measures or modulate the planned actions, there will be a weekly Monitoring Committee in each territory, made up of the Department of Public Health and Education. In addition, an Education-COVID Advisory Committee will also be formed.

Additional services

With regard to school transport, the current regulations on preventive measures against COVID-19 will be applied, as well as those contained in the document “Occupational risk prevention measures in Basque schools to combat the risk of being affected by COVID-19”.
It is also recommended that students have specific seats on the bus, have a list of the children being transported on each bus, and know where they sit on the bus. All students and other staff will wear the mask at all times, but in the case of children under 6 it is not mandatory, but it is recommended.

With regard to the canteen, at the beginning of the school year, the canteen service of schools with vulnerable students will be given priority, in accordance with the decision taken by the school on the canteen service offer, and respecting the measures established in the occupational risk prevention measures.