Schools May Close After Christmas If Wreath Increases

With just over a month to go to Christmas Eve, middle school and elementary students are beginning to look ahead to the Christmas break. But this year, nothing is as usual.

Autumn has meant an increase in corona infection, and the Swedish Public Health Agency has warned that the virus is spreading rapidly among young people. Of all the people in Sweden who tested for COVID-19 last week, the 17-19 age group was the most positive. About 18 percent of the group was infected. The same proportion for the population as a whole was 10 percent.

Education Minister Anna Ekström believes that high school and high school students must now take responsibility during leave.

– It is important to remember that the pandemic does not take into account the Christmas holidays. The rules that apply will apply regardless of the vacation we’re on, he says.

Ekström: fully prepared to close

When school starts again after the holidays, the rules should be tightened up with new vigor, Ekström says. It’s about keeping distance from teachers and students in the hallways, avoiding hugs and parties, and staying home for symptoms.

– Our schools are not built for a pandemic. But the more high school students can do their best to follow the rules, the greater the chance that we can keep schools open.

When the infection took off in the spring, the government recommended that high schools and universities close. Currently, there is no clear limit to when a similar message can arrive.

– If necessary, we will not hesitate to close schools, says Anna Ekström.

“Those who do good are heroes”

This weekend, Expressen reports on young people crowning to go out to party. Even in the past, there have been reports of young people following the recommendations, despite warnings from the government and authorities.

However, the Minister of Education believes that it is a minority of young people who do not follow the rules.

– Most people find ways to handle the rules, not to be contagious. Those who do the right thing are heroes among today’s youth, he says.

– I also believe that adults have a responsibility here. Parents must have these difficult conversations with our young people, we must scold with love but still clearly. So we adults should also set a good example. Young people do not do what they say, but what they do.

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