Swiss back-to-school angst illustrates worries around easing lockdowns

'TRYING TO REASSURE' PARENTS

Some parents said they still feel cornered.

"Our children are being sent out like scouts to see what happens to them," said Laeticia Dupraz, 27, with a 6-year-old daughter in school and a 4-year-old son at home.

Switzerland requires school attendance for 11 years, and under normal circumstances parents face fines up to 5,000 Swiss francs ($5,150) for keeping their children away.

Most officials, however, favour a softer approach amidst this crisis.

"It is not our role to threaten parents," said Julien Schekter, of Vaud canton's learning office. "We are trying to reassure them."

($1 = 0.9706 Swiss francs)