Coronavirus: Existing measures in place until end of the month (Updated)

All existing Covid measures will be extended until the end of the month, the cabinet decided on Wednesday after meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades, where they deliberated on some tweaks that will see test to stay launched in nursery schools, overnight stays for care home workers reinstated, and the return of school trips.

According to a written announcement by deputy government spokesperson Niovi Parisinou, the cabinet decided that from this coming Monday, the test to stay measure will begin in nursery schools, pre-schools and special schools for children aged three and older.

More specifically, children who are close contacts of confirmed cases will be able to get tested for free at government rapid testing sites on the third, fifth and seventh day after contact.

Units participating in test to stay will be announced by the health ministry on a regular basis, and will operate between 7am and 8am.

Parents will be given a document showing their child is a close contact, which they will need to present for their child to get tested and later gain entry into school.

On the remaining days (first, second, fourth and sixth) parents must carry out a self-test on their children.

The measure will be optional, the ministry said. Children not participating in test to stay will have to follow general government instructions for close contacts.

This means they will have to self-isolate for seven days, and will be released on day seven if a rapid test comes back negative.

It will also be retroactive, meaning that any children already self-isolating as close contacts when test to stay comes into force, will be able to take part.

For special schools with medical staff, testing will be carried out at the arrival of children at the school. The ministry said close contacts will not be able to use school buses.

“This measure concerns only school opening hours, meaning that children must be kept in isolation for the rest of the day, as they continue to be close contacts and will not be able to take part in other afternoon activities,” the ministry added.

After consulting the health ministry, the cabinet also decided to lift the ban on school trips.

Also from Monday, residents in care homes and nursing homes will be allowed overnight stays outside of the facilities.

Upon returning they will be required to present results on a rapid test performed on the same day, based on government instructions.