Coronavirus: Additional protocols for March 25 student parades (Updated)

Pupils and students across the island will come out with their well pressed uniforms and SafePass in pocket on March 25, as school parades make a comeback for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic, coupled with strict covid protocols.

New case numbers remain steadily above 2,000 over the past two weeks.

Primary and secondary school principals as well as universities were notified about the relevant covid guidelines today.

They include a SafePass for all pupils and students, as it applies at all education levels. A similar SafePass protocol applies to other participants in the parades as well as the public.

In line with pandemic measures the number of people taking part has changed as follows:

-University students: up to three flag bearers, one group leader and 36 students in 9 rows of four

-Lyceums:-52 people including 11 flag bearers, one group leaders and 10 rows of four

-High schools:-40 people, including 11 flag bearers, 1 group leader and seven rows of four

-Organisations-up to 15 people

-Private and public primary schools-up to 40 people per school unit

No music bands or philharmonics, excepting lyceums locally in each city.

The same protocol, in line with the government’s decision earlier this month to allow student parades, will be implemented for school events celebrating April 1  (Eoka day).

Relevant events in schools must be held outside, in accordance with existing protocols, without parents, guardians or other visitors.

Updated Covid protocols on schools, including confirmed cases and contacts directives, have been uploaded on the education ministry’s webpage at www.moec.gov.cy/covid_19.html