Press Releases

• Rapid tests through mobile testing units in schools from March 4
• Mandatory weekly testing for teachers/school staff
• Weekly testing for students aged 12 and over, with the consent of parents/guardians

The Ministry of Health, is endeavouring to strengthen the effort to reduce the number of cases detected in schools through mobile rapid antigen testing units. Given the decision on the mandatory weekly rapid antigen testing of all teachers and other school staff, as well as students aged 12 and over, following actions by the Ministry of Health, as of Thursday, 4 March, 27 mobile testing units will be carrying out antigen tests in schools in all Districts. The aim is to facilitate, as far as possible, teachers and students. Teachers and students can also be tested at the various testing units, which operate daily in the whole of Cyprus.

Specifically, the mobile units will be carrying out rapid tests for the staff and students of public and private Lyceums and Technical Schools on 4 and 5 March (Thursday-Friday), while testing will be repeated during the period of 10-12 March (Wednesday-Friday). In the week of 15-19 March, Gymnasiums will be included in the screenings as well. The program that has been prepared has been given to the competent Ministry of Education for informing the schools.

In addition to the teachers and the rest of the school staff, who, according to the instructions, are obligated to be tested weekly, the parents/legal guardians of students aged 12 and over are requested to give their consent so that children can also be tested.

With the regular testing of school staff as well as students, testing within schools is intensified, thus reducing the possibility of a series of outbreaks and the spreading of the virus and consequently making schools safer for both staff and students.

(MG/MPO)