Coronavirus: Ministers say ‘yes’ to schools reopening on Friday (Updated)

Lower secondary school (gymnasium) pupils are expected to return to class on Friday, it emerged on Monday.

Citing the recommendations of the scientific advisers, the health and education ministers announced that they will be submitting their proposal for a return to in-person teaching to cabinet at its next meeting on Wednesday.

The current decree, which requires gymnasium pupils to follow online classes, expires on March 31. Thursday, April 1, is a holiday.

No reference was made in the announcement to Limassol primary schools which have been closed for two weeks following a surge in coronavirus cases in the district.

In anticipation of cabinet’s approval, the two ministries said parents and guardians of gymnasium pupils must ensure their children undergo a rapid antigen test, either free at the various test sites operated by the ministry or at their own expense at an approved private lab.

“Within the framework of the agreement, the testing sites islandwide will be boosted and priority will be given to pupils,” they said.

In addition, testing sites will be in operation in more isolated areas. All pupils and staff must undergo a test before returning to school. Those aged under 18 can do the less intrusive nasal swab, that has been available from monday, it clarified.

As from Monday, April 5, mobile units will carry out tests at gymnasiums, in a procedure similar to that followed since the opening of lyceums.

After meeting on Sunday evening, the scientific advisers suggested gymnasium pupils return on Friday, but held back on wider relaxations pending further improvement in the epidemiological situation.

However, government epidemiological adviser Petros Karayiannis,

professor of microbiology and molecular virology at the University of Nicosia Medical School, suggested a short delay to Monday in order to give them enough time to get tested for the virus.

“Reopening on April 5 would allow more students to do a rapid test before safely returning to their classes,” he told the Cyprus Mail.

“I have made the suggestion to the epidemiological team, now it’s up to the government and the health ministry to take the decision,” Karayiannis said.

The current decree governing restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus expires on March 31.

Maria Koliou, one of the members of the team of advisors, told CyBC on Monday that the team was suggesting to the government that gymnasium pupils return to school on condition that systematic testing with rapid antigen tests continues.

The majority view was also that Limassol primary schools, which were closed after a surge of cases in the district, should reopen.

Amid concerns about children’s education and mental health, parents have been pressing for action on both fronts, saying gymnasium and Limassol primary school pupils were being unfairly discriminated against.

Asked about possible relaxations to restrictive measures, Koliou struck a cautious note saying it was essential to adopt a conservative policy in the next couple of weeks so as to avoid a deterioration of the situation before Easter. Orthodox Easter is on May 2.

Although there are signs of improvement in the epidemiological situation, the number of cases remained high while vaccinations have still not advanced sufficiently, particularly as regards vulnerable groups.

She said there was no suggestion for the time being to change the current regime on the food and drink sector, currently restricted to outdoor services.

Karayiannis told the Cyprus News Agency that the advisers have submitted a list of ‘mild relaxations’ relating primarily to recreational and sporting activities.

He underlined the need for caution and said the final decision rests with the government. As an example, he said that there could be a few more people in gyms.

Another possibility is an additional SMS to leave the house. Koliou indicated that if approved, this would apply for weekends.

The government is also under pressure to allow hotels to open to local residents to give the embattled tourist sector some revenue, given that incentive schemes for local stays have been announced but remain suspended because of the ban.