The schools of Cyprus will be ready on the 1st of September, while pupils will return on the 7th of September, Minister of Education Prodromos Prodromou has said, noting that 16,000 laboratory tests will be conducted islandwide in schools.

In statements after a meeting he held in his office with President of the EDEK Socia Democratic Party, Marinos Sizopoulos, the Minister said that the first challenge at schools this year will be to comply with the health protocols and the second challenge, "which is a challenge that we have every year" is to offer pupils a quality education.

Asked how many tests will be conducted in schools, he said about 16,000 tests will be made available by the Ministry of Health for schools.

Of these, he added, around  2,000 will be for private schools.

Prodromou said that all teachers and other personel in special schools will undergo the test while, sample tests will be conducted for teachers and staff in schools and pupils.

Replying to questions, he said that in closed areas at schools the use of protective masks will be mandatory for pupils over 12 years of age, while it will be compulsory in all schools for teachers and other personnel.

In open spaces, he said, everyone must comply with the health protocols and the use of mask is not obligatory.