Coronavirus: Number of cases at Limassol school grows to 35

The transmission chain in a Limassol primary school has grown from 27 Covid-19 cases to 35, the health ministry said on Friday, including teachers and pupils.

The ministry called on parents not to send their children to school if they present Covid-19 symptoms after it emerged that some people in the transmission chains had gone to class despite having symptoms.

According to the ministry, so far 35 cases have been detected in the school, including pupils and teachers. The school, that remains closed, is expected to reopen on Monday.

After investigating how the chain started, it emerged that it spread from one classroom in which 12 cases were detected “which was expected, since the children are in the same space for many hours and inevitably are in close contact.”

In relation to the cases detected in other classrooms, the transmission occurred outside the school, the ministry said, since some of the children infected their siblings or friends through participation in extracurricular activities. The ministry clarified that the transmission chain was not due to a party, as earlier reports said.

The ministry, however, said some people found to be positive had gone to the school despite having symptoms.

“A strong recommendation was made for stricter adherence to health protocols,” it added.

It also said that children and school staff who have been assessed as close contacts and have been instructed to self-isolate will remain in self-isolation until the end of the time required.

All students and staff will undergo a PCR test over the weekend at public health clinics.

People who were not declared as close contacts will return to school on Monday and will have to take a rapid test. A mobile testing unit will be at the school entrance for this purpose.

If anyone is found positive, they will have to return home and follow the protocol for Covid-19 positive cases.

The ministry recalled that anyone presenting symptoms, regardless of if they are vaccinated or not, must self-isolate and call their GP, who, after assessing the situation, can refer the patient for a PCR test.

“Until it is clarified whether it is coronavirus or other infection and is treated medically by the GP, any social or professional activity must be avoided,” the ministry said.