Mandatory weekly check with rapid tests for all teachers and school staff – Strong recommendation for testing for school students

As per Minister of Health Announcement, from the investigation and tracking of the current positive cases of COVID-19, it appears at first sight that, in addition to the intra-family transmission of the virus, there is a spread in schools, mainly by staff, but also students through their family environment.

Following this development, in consultation with the Ministry of Education, it was decided that all teachers and school staff, without exception, must undergo a weekly screening with rapid antigen test, which started on Saturday 27/02. Teachers and school staff can take the test either free of charge at the Ministry of Health’s sampling points or privately at their own expense. It is emphasized that the certificate of negative result is a necessary condition for their return to their workplace from today March 1 and should be presented during the inspections that will be intensified from Monday.

At the same time, students are strongly advised to take a rapid test, with the consent of their parents / guardians.

At the same time, there have been cases in recent days of people who, while showing symptoms of the disease, continue to come to work, resulting, on the one hand, in delaying their diagnosis and, on the other hand, in spreading the virus within their workplaces.

It is reminded that people who develop coronavirus symptoms should limit themselves at home and contact their Personal Physician immediately, who will give them further medical guidance and / or refer them for a laboratory examination at the Public Health Clinics.

The announcement as issued on Friday 26th in the evening can be accessed (Here in Greek.)