ATHENS – The safe reopening of schools was the issue of a video conference held on Monday between the education ministry and the Executive Committee of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE).

According to the union's announcement, KEDE President Dimitris Papastergiou assured the ministry that municipalities are ready to take all the measures required for schools to operate with safety. The schools will be meticulously cleaned and disinfected, while cleaning staff will also work during school hours, while classes are being taught.

In the same announcement, it was underlined that the education ministry has sent significant quantities of antiseptics and is going to send more over the following days.

"We will be at the side of the children, the teachers and the parents in order for classes to resume with safety," Papastergiou said, while noting that the present needs of muncipalities, especially for funding, are increased.

On her part, Education Minister Niki Kerameus assured KEDE that there will be "an open line of communication" in order to ensure the smooth running of schools. She underlined that the use of face masks will be mandatory in the classroom and during the transportation of pupils to and from schools, while adding that "the most important thing for the new school period is meticulous cleanliness and not necessarily disinfectants, based on the experts' advice."