Ministry distributes Antigen Kits in Schools

Ministry distributes Antigen Kits in Schools

According to an official, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Primary Health Care Corporation, has distributed COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits to schools. 

“The schools have been directed to send text message to parents notifying them to collect rapid antigen test kits from school starting from today until the reopening of schools,” said Director of Health and Safety Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Mohammed Al Maraghi.

He did not say if the test kits will be made accessible to private institutions as well.

On August 21, 2022, students will return to schools that reopened this week for teachers.

“All students are required to take rapid antigen test at home. If the test is negative, parents will sign a pledge to acknowledge that the information provided is accurate,” said Al Maraghi. He was speaking to Al Kass television channel yesterday. 

He ensured that the on the first day of students returning to school, a ‘Parent/Guardian’ declaration form will be submitted.

“Following COVID-19 preventive measures, students and school staff are required to take rapid antigen test only one time. Wearing masks at schools during first two weeks is also mandatory,” said Al Maraghi.

Because most individuals travel over the holiday, he said the steps are meant to safeguard children, teachers, and other employees from COVID-19.

“The situation of COVID-19 pandemic is much better compared to previous years. This is the third academic year since the emergence of the pandemic,” said Al Maraghi.
Prior to the start of the new school year, he added, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) worked closely together to implement precautions to ensure that children could return to classes safely.

“This week we received teachers following the same measures. They also underwent rapid antigen tests.”

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has ordered that all instructors and students in public and private pre-schools, elementary schools, and secondary institutions take a COVID-19 antigen test within 48 hours of the start of the new school year.

The test is not required every week, but just once at the start of the school year. In its release, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said that the exam may be done at home or at specially designated testing centres.

After examining the virus's current health indicators, conferring with the Ministry of Public Health, and continuing preparations for the 2022-2023 academic year, the decision was taken.

Before being accepted to a school or university, each student and member of staff will be required to submit documentation of a negative test result. If a person's test results are positive, they should go to the nearest health centre right once and begin taking the appropriate measures.