Spain: Schools can reopen despite latest outbreaks

Spain's top coronavirus expert said on Thursday that the recent surge in confirmed coronavirus cases across the country should not prevent schools from opening, assuring families that containment measures have been in place.

Speaking at a regular briefing in Madrid, Fernando Simon, Head of Spanish Coordinating Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies, said: "right now the truth is that most of our territory is able to open schools without any problem as long as transmission prevention measures have been increased in schools."

Parent and teachers have expressed concern, with new waves of outbreaks since the country emerged from a strict lockdown.

The government announced on Thursday that masks will be mandatory for all students age 6 or older when returning to schools in September.

The measure will be adopted by the country’s 17 regions, which manage education autonomously. It’s part of a series of standardized guidelines agreed in a meeting with central authorities.

Previously, masks were only required for students above age 12 by some Spanish regions.

Students will receive a daily body temperature check, must wash hands at least five times per day and classrooms will need frequent ventilation, the government said.

“Bubble-classrooms” where students only socialize with a limited number of peers, will be key to identifying contacts. That allows localized quarantines if there’s a positive test, rather than closing entire schools.

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