Coronavirus: Use of less intrusive test for schoolkids begins today (updated)

A less intrusive method of coronavirus nasal rapid tests will be used to test pupils of upper secondary schools (lyceums), the health ministry announced on Monday, only to be met with more negativity from parents totally opposed to testing.

The test, also a nasal swab but which is less intrusive as the cotton bud is not inserted so deep, will be used by mobile units at secondary schools as well as for those aged under 18 who choose to take a test for the coronavirus at the various rapid testing sites.

Lyceum pupils must present a negative coronavirus test once a week. Mobile test units have been going to schools by rotation to facilitate the process. The same system is also used at special schools.

“The nasal swabs will, at the initial stages, be implemented only for minors so as to facilitate children, who are a more sensitive group of the population, not to feel discomfort during the test and to minimise the inconvenience,” the health ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that it aimed to use all scientifically approved methods to better serve the public, while at the same time closely monitoring the epidemiological situation.

Nevertheless, organised parents’ group Enomeni Gonis (United Parents), who have been vocally opposed to testing at schools since it began, were displeased with the decision, saying that it is a meaningless change and “still a violation, only milder”.

Maria Koliou, one of the experts advising the government on the pandemic, told the CyBC on Monday these nasal swabs were more child friendly and could conceivably also be used with younger children at primary schools, subject to the approval of their parents.

The new tests will be required of gymnasium pupils when they return to school. Cabinet will decide on Wednesday when they will return amid indications it will decide on reopening gymnasiums on Friday.