Children in France making way back to school

Just over half a dozen children made their way back to their preschool in Eastern Paris on Thursday after spending two months at home in lockdown.

Most were excited to see their friends again albeit from a distance inside a yellow circle painted on the ground.

Frédérique Gestin, a physiotherapist and parent said she did not feel anxious at all as she walked four-year-old Léocadie to school this morning.

"After a while, it's all going to fall into place and people will adapt", she told the Associated Press. "I think everyone is going to relax", she added.

Many parents shared the view that their children, themselves and society needed needed to return to normal life, even if it seemed difficult to ensure that their children respect the health measurs.

French authorities say 86% of preschools and primary schools are reopening this week.

Classes in Paris' 20th district are capped at five pupils per teacher at preschools where children are required to keep a safe distance from each other and wash their hands several times a day.

Teachers must wear masks.

School attendance is not compulsory.

The government has allowed parents to keep children at home amid fears prompted by the COVID-19, as France is one of the hardest-hit countries in the world.