"Test to stay" programme will be put into effect at schools on Monday, January 24th, the Ministry of Health says.

This measure applies to elementary and high schools with the aim for schools to remain open in a safe environment.

As the protocol says, students who are close contacts of a confirmed case within the school will be tested. This measure does not apply to all those who are in self isolation as close contacts.

The Ministry says that close contacts who are unvaccinated or were administered the 1st dose or have concluded their vaccination scheme and 7 months have elapsed or were infected and 90 days passed can either self isolate for 10 days and exit the isolation on the 7th day with a negative PCR test or can come to school and get tested with a rapid test everyday for 6 consecutive days since the day they came into contact with a case (weekends not included).

As regards the PCR test on the 7th day, the Ministry says that discussions are underway for the PCR to be substituted with a Rapid test.

The "Test to stay" measure applies only to school hours and when close contacts leave school must self isolated and cannot attend any other activities. Close contacts are also advised to get to school on a private vehicle and avoid public transportation.
 
All those who are close contacts and have concluded their vaccination scheme and 7 months have not elapsed or 90 days since their infection with COVID do not have to isolate as the protocol says. However they will be tested with a rapid test every day for 6 days.

Mobile units will conduct the testing of the students between 07:30-09:00 local time.