![The Associated Press reports that some lower grades were opened last week, and 150,000 more junior high students went back to the classroom on Monday, May 18. [PHOTO | COURTESY]](https://i0.wp.com/www.k24tv.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CHILD-WEARING-MASK.jpg?resize=730%2C414&ssl=1)
At least 70 learners and school staff members in France have reportedly caught coronavirus disease one week after the French Government ordered reopening of schools.
The Associated Press reports that some lower grades were opened last week, and 150,000 more junior high students went back to the classroom on Monday, May 18.
Education Minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer, on Monday, May 18 told French radio RTL that the reopening of schools for learning has put some children in the danger of contracting COVID-19.
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He ordered the immediate closure of all the affected schools. French media reported that seven schools in northern France were closed.
Blanquer did not specify whether the 70 cases of COVID-19 were among students or teachers.
Given that the incubation period for the virus is several days, Blanquer said, people are "likely" to have been infected before about 40,000 preschools and primary schools reopened last week, with classes capped at 15 students.
About 30 per cent of children went back to school, Blanquer said. The government has allowed parents to keep their children at home.
