Schools and universities have been closed for the past two weeks. The stop of schools and universities has been one of the first measures taken by the Government to try to slow down spread of coronavirus, measure imitated in recent days also by other European countries. Initially the reopening date was set for March 15, but it was immediately clear that it would not be enough. With the decree of 9 March 2020, the decision has come close schools and universities until April 3. A month's stop that according to experts is starting to bear the desired results. And this would be precisely the reason why the Government would be thinking of further extend the closure of schools and universities but also other restrictive measures, giving the country more time to recover and to fight against Covid-19.
The possible extension was confirmed by the Premier, Giuseppe Conte, in an interview with Corriere della Sera:
“The restrictive measures are working, and it is obvious that when we reach a peak and the contagion begins to decrease, at least in percentage terms, we hope in a few days, we will not be able to immediately return to life as before. At the moment it is not reasonable to say more, but it is clear that the measures we have taken, both the one that has closed many of the company and individual activities in the country, and the one that concerns the school, can only be extended to the deadline".
Source: Corriere della Sera
Along the same lines, the Minister of Education, Lucia Azzolina, who to the microphones of SkyTg24 stated:
“I think we will go in the direction that President Conte said extend the date of April 3 but these days I invite everyone to the utmost responsibility. It is not possible to give another date for the opening of schools, it all depends on the evolution of these days, on the epidemiological scenario. We will reopen schools only when we have the certainty of absolute safety".
We will therefore have to wait to find out the reopening date which, however, in all probability will not be April 3rd. It will be necessary to see what will happen, also bearing in mind that the next few weeks will be essential to understand if the coronavirus will finally give respite to Northern Italy after the very harsh restrictions imposed by the Government, but also if the Center-South will be able to contain the infections despite the return of thousands of people from the most affected regions.
The decision on the reopening, Azzolina had clarified a few days ago, will be the health authorities. It is no coincidence that the president of the Higher Institute of Health, Franco Locatelli, also intervened on the matter, who in an interview given to Corriere della Sera he has declared:
«Today we can say that the decision to close schools and universities, the cause of much controversy, is working. Together with other measures, it has avoided making the emergency even more critical. We will assess the situation in the days immediately preceding the April 3 deadline. We are ready to extend the teaching suspension, if necessary".
Source: Corriere della Sera
Nothing is therefore certain yet, but the first hypotheses are already beginning to be made. The closure of schools and universities could be extended until after Easter or even until May 3rd. There are even those who speculate until June. In all three cases, the Ministry of Education will ensure "not only the formal but substantial validity of the school year" thanks to digital lessons. It should be emphasized that Minister Azzolina has already ruled out the possibility of extending the school year beyond the usual date, while the first indications on the final exam will arrive in the next few days.
(Last update: 16.44 pm on 19 March).
