CORONAVIRUS: The Prince's Government has Decided to Close Crèches and Educational Establishments from Monday

In consultation with H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, the Prince's Government has decided, as of Monday 16 March and until further notice, to close crèches and educational establishments (primary schools, secondary schools, high schools, higher education establishments, etc.) in the Principality.

The aim of this measure is to protect our children and reduce the spread of the virus in our territory. According to the epidemiologists and doctors who are advising the Prince's Government on managing this health crisis, children and young people are likely to spread the virus rapidly, even though they sometimes have no symptoms and, fortunately, do not currently seem to be suffering from acute types of the disease.

The Monegasque authorities will set up a childcare service for children of workers whose role is essential in combating the epidemic or for the functioning of the State and organisations of critical importance (OIVs).

Priority will be given to parents whose work consists of medical care and virus prevention.  With regard to children for whom it is not possible to provide care other than by the elderly, parents will also be able to find a solution in the schools.  As a last resort, provision on a case-by-case basis will be put in place for parents who have no means of childcare.

The Department of Education, Youth and Sport, together with the educational community, is taking the appropriate measures to ensure the continuity of teaching and the monitoring of pupils, in particular through the digital applications that have already been implemented.

The Prince's Government invites all educational establishments to introduce this type of measure, which is aimed at ensuring the continuity of teaching.

At the same time, the Prince's Government recommends the introduction of teleworking, in order for economic activities to continue while meeting childcare requirements.

To answer any questions relating to these measures concerning Education, the Prince's Government has set up a telephone number: 98 98 47 01, and an e-mail:  Covid19education@gouv.mc .

Every effort should be made to contain the spread of the virus and protect those most at risk.  Each one of us has a shared responsibility to protect others, starting with those close to us.  The Prince's Government appeals to the responsibility and civic sense of each and every one of us to adopt the highest levels of precautionary behaviour.