Coronavirus: Investigation into virus chains in schools

Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas on Wednesday gave instructions for thorough investigation of coronavirus cases in schools to track in time possible transmission chains after one with 27 cases was detected in a Limassol school.

The school, along with another one in the Nicosia district, has suspended operations. Reports said this concerns the primary school of Ayios Panteleimonas in Limassol and Ayios Kassianos in Nicosia.

Hadjipantelas was briefed on the matter by the epidemiological surveillance unit and the tracing team and gave instructions for thorough investigation of cases found in schools.

According to the health ministry, the Limassol chain started from one classroom, where 12 people were infected, while it seems it spread to other classrooms through family members (siblings going to the same school) and extracurricular activities.

“So far, through the tracing process, which has not been completed yet, it does not appear that there is an association with a party, as it was said by sources outside the health ministry,” the ministry said.

The chain concerns 27 cases and is being investigated by the tracing team in cooperation with the education ministry, it added. In consultations with the education ministry, it was deemed best that the school remains closed until the tracing process is completed.

Concerning the one in Nicosia, it was the schools’ management that decided to shut it down after four cases were initially detected and given it has only 45 pupils. The transmission chain is now at 13 cases. All pupils of the school were deemed as close contacts. The school is to reopen on Thursday.