“too early” for some, a relief for others “very happy” … The end of the compulsory mask divides at school

“Hello !”, launches a child in a very enthusiastic tone. Like him, many were all smiles when they returned to class at the Championnet school, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, Monday March 14. Indeed, they could finally drop the mask. Schools are among the places where it is no longer compulsory, unlike public transport and health establishments.

>> Covid-19: wearing a mask, health pass… Here are the rules that no longer apply from this Monday

“At least the mistress is not going to tell me all the time: ‘put your mask back on’, ‘put your mask back on'”rejoices a little boy. “It was very long”, recognizes his mother. Another boy says to himself “very happy because we’ve had the mask for a long time at school and we’re tired of it”. A little girl confirms: “It was driving me crazy! I can’t breathe.”

Children are not the only ones to drop the mask: the obligation is also removed for adults in the establishment. “The whole facial expression changes”, appreciates Blandine Chaulet, the director of this school of 160 students. She says it’s a relief for most teachers.

“With the eyes, it was still complicated. When you read a story or want to speak to a child, for everything related to implicit facial expressions, it will change a lot of things for them. “

Blandine Chaulet, director of the Championnet school, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris

at franceinfo

The director is also relieved to see the obligation removed for the canteen, which according to her generated “complex logistics”. “It’s something less to deal with.” She says she is happy to finally be able to announce good news to the families. They are also all displayed in front of the school door: mixing is now possible between all classes, no more restrictions on indoor sports…

But not all faces are uncovered when entering the classroom. Anna, in CE2, always wears hers as a precaution. “You still have to protect yourself a bit and wait two or three weeks to see if they ask us to put it back”, says the little girl. It was his mother, Domoana, who asked him to keep the mask on for a while. “It’s too early to take it all off. It’s better to wait a bit and we’ll see if it calms down.”

For its part, the Ministry of National Education recalls that large gatherings are always to be avoided. Hand washing, room ventilation and surface disinfection instructions are also maintained.