Denmark’s nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools were reopening after a month-long closure over the COVID-19. The country became the first in EU to do so and the most-criticized one for doing that.
The young Danish generation got an opportunity to be back to schools, kindergarten and nurseries by April 20. Since March 12, all these educational structures were shut down due to COVID-19 outbreak, AFP reported.
The Danish media explain that classes are only resuming in about half of Denmark’s municipalities and in about 35 percent of Copenhagen’s schools. Meanwhile, others have requested more time to adjust to health protocols still in place. All are expected to reopen by April 20.
On Wednesday, in the centre of the capital city, some 220 pupils up to the second grade arrived at the Norrebro Park School. The kids were welcomed by their teachers who waved Danish flags. Next day, children in the 3rd and 4th grade will follow as well.
It is important to note that the children quickly settled into the reorganised classrooms designed to comply with strict new sanitary guidelines. For many parents, schools reopening means a lot.
This week, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made a surprise visit to Lykkebo Skole in Valby outside Copenhagen to watch the event dedicated to reopening the school. Later, she wrote about her visit on her Facebook page.
“Several of the children described how hard it was not to be able to give their best friends a hug simply out of happiness to see them again,” PM wrote. “That’s something I can understand.”
Denmark intends to reopen all schools by April 20
In Denmark, schools are required to ensure that a distance of two metres is maintained between desks in classrooms and recesses must be organised for small groups.
In fact, the country’s centre-left government announced that schools would be reopened “on the condition that everyone keeps their distance and washes their hands.”
But while schools are gradually reopening, bars, restaurants, hairdressing and massage parlours, shopping centres and discos remain closed, and gatherings of more than 10 people are banned.
Some parents have opposed the reopening of schools, citing health concerns. A petition dubbed “My child is not a guinea pig” has garnered some 18,000 signatures. Now, around 15 parents had informed the school that they would not bring their children back. Others, however, trust their government’s judgement.
Middle and high school students, will continue remote classes and are only expected to return to classrooms on May 10.
