Germany reopens schools for final exams amid pandemic

Germany cautiously began reopening schools on Monday, April 20, 2020, allowing students to return to classrooms for final exams amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The partial reopening, approved by Chancellor Angela Merkel and regional leaders, initially prioritizes older students who will adhere to strict social distancing protocols.

Schools across Germany have been closed since March as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19, with many students transitioning to online learning.

German authorities determined that implemented social distancing measures, including shop closures and encouraging remote work, had successfully slowed the disease's transmission enough to permit a limited reopening of educational institutions.

The specific protocols for school reopenings are determined by Germany's 16 federal states, with a phased approach planned for different age groups over the coming months.

In addition to schools, smaller shops across Germany also resumed operations on Monday, while restaurants, cinemas, and larger retail stores remain shut.

Germany, while having the fifth-highest number of COVID-19 cases globally, has maintained a relatively low fatality rate due to early and widespread testing.

Despite the reopening, some school administrators expressed concerns about maintaining strict safety measures due to the inherent challenges of supervising young individuals.