The “test-to-stay” measure will, as of Monday, also be implemented in kindergartens, preschool and special schools, as part of the efforts to keep schools safe and open, the Health Ministry announced.
Following a Cabinet decision on Wednesday that the measure will also be introduced in kindergartens, preschool and special schools, the Health Ministry said this will be applied from Monday. The Council of Ministers decided the implementation of the “test-to-stay” measure in kindergartens, preschool and special schools for children aged three and over.
The Ministry said that children who are close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case within the school, will be able to go to the designated testing units announced by the Health Ministry for a rapid test during the third, fifth and seventh day after the contact.
The rest of the days (1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th) parents will have to test their children with self-tests.
It notes that the measure is optional.
In special schools that have nurses, the testing will be carried out at the school on the arrival of the children.
The Ministry clarifies that children who have been declared as close contacts will not be able to use the school buses.The Ministry also notes that this measure concerns only the opening hours of the schools. After the children leave school, they should self-isolate, as they continue to be considered close contacts and will not be able to take part in other afternoon activities.
It also said that the measure also concerns children who will already be on self-isolation from Monday, March 21, as close contacts of a confirmed case. They too will have the option to use the “test-to-stay” measure.
Children who do not make use of the “test-to-stay” measure, will have to follow the instructions of the Health Ministry for close contacts, namely self-isolation for seven days and discharge after presenting a negative rapid test result.
Parents will be able to get self-test kits from the schools.
The Cabinet also lifted the ban on school excursions from March 21.
(CNA)
