France, Sept. 21 -- France's government has decided to ease rules on pre-school and primary school closures as of Tuesday, after health advisors said children were at low risk of serious illness or of transmitting the virus that causes Covid-19.

France's Education Ministry announced Sunday that classes in pre-school and primary schools (for pupils aged 3-10), would "continue to be held as usual" even if a classmate tests positive for Covid-19.

As of Tuesday, the new rules are to replace current restrictions whereby pupils considered to have been in close contact with an infected person could only return to school if they test negative after staying home for seven days.

The decision comes after the High Council for Public Health advisor...