Coronavirus: Strict contact tracing protocol withdrawn, consultations continue

Education authorities and health officials decided Friday to discuss potential readjustments to Covid protocols at schools after the one proposed the previous day was deemed unenforceable.

During a teleconference on Friday between Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou with members of the advisory team and other education and health officials, it was decided to review the current protocols but not try to apply the one recommended on Thursday.

The meeting discussed the organisation of the Pancyprian university entrance examinations and the implementation of protocols, especially in relation to the participation of pupils who tested positive and close contacts.

Under the proposed changes of the rejected protocol, an entire class would be considered a close contact if a student in that unit tested positive.

Schools would close for a week if positive cases were identified in three or more classes within a week and students would be considered close contacts if they were on the same bus as an individual who tested positive.