“We want school to be like 1.5 years ago”, said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during his visit to the Government Strategic Reserve Agency repository in Komorowo. The head of the Polish government also emphasized that a complete return to normal is dependent on the responsible behaviour on the part of citizens, with everyone required to adhere to the pandemic restrictions, including disinfecting hands and social distancing.

Schools to receive protective equipment

Per the recommendation of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, schools will be provided with protective equipment – including disinfection stations equipped with body temperature measuring equipment – free of charge. The required equipment purchases will be handled by the Government Strategic Reserve Agency. As part of the action, all schools and kindergartens will also receive such personal protective equipment as gloves, masks, disinfectant liquid and thermometers. Schools and kindergartens had a chance to request such supplies until 12 August. Nonetheless, to ensure that no education facility is left without assistance, schools and kindergartens that have not submitted a request by the above deadline will also receive protective measures, the quantities of which will be calculated based on the number of their pupils.  

“32,000 transports. 500 trucks with supplies meant to ensure additional protection through disinfection and body temperature measuring systems. All this will help the managers of schools and other educational institutions to maintain safety”, said the Prime Minister. He also added that the imminent fourth wave of coronavirus infections will be different than the previous ones, primarily because vaccines are already available. Additionally, Mr Morawiecki called on schools to use this initiative wisely, including to ensure safety for all children returning from vacation.

Preparations for the 2021/2022 school year

Schools had received the relevant information before the summer holidays even began. This included recommendations for parents, information on vaccination opportunities, as well as initial screening questionnaires for minors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In early July, the Ministry of Education and Science announced action under the National Post-pandemic Student Support Programme. It comprises 4 initiatives aimed at helping students catch up after the long period of online learning.

The government has allocated PLN 100 million to additional equipment and personal protective measures for schools. It also constantly monitors the pandemic situation and announces further actions to ensure that students can safely return to schools.

Working with the Ministry of Health and the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, the Ministry of Education and Science has prepared a set of guidelines for primary and secondary schools, which will enter into force on 1 September 2021. It includes recommendations on holding classes safely and hygienically in the pandemic conditions of the new school year.

Detailed recommendations cover the following: 

• class organisation, 
• hygiene, as well as room and surface cleaning and disinfection,
• gastronomy,
• procedures for handling suspected infections among the staff. 

The Ministry of Education and Science has also prepared an information packet on organising vaccination at schools. Information prepared by the Ministry has been provided to schools and other educational facilities through the Educational Information System.

We encourage everyone to read the current announcements on preparations for the 2021/2022 school year. They are posted on an ongoing basis here.