Schools to open in phases, with alternating classes, distancing

As the authorities scramble to hammer out the details of a gradual easing of restrictions introduced last month to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Education Minister Niki Kerameus on Wednesday unveiled a model for the operation of schools that foresees alternating classes and social distancing.

In a joint press conference with Health Ministry spokesman Sotiris Tsiodras, Kerameus confirmed the schedule for the staggered resumption of classes, as announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday, namely that senior high pupils will return to school on May 11 followed a week later by secondary and primary school pupils. 

Kerameus said classes will be divided into two (with a maximum of 15 pupils in each group) and will alternate with one group attending classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the other group attending lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays...