Experts recommend against mandatory mask wearing, rapid testing

The committee of epidemiological experts has decided to fully exempt pupils from the mandatory use of masks and self-testing.

The committee reportedly factored in its recommendation the encouraging epidemiological data regularly reported by the National Public Health Organization (EODY), as well as proposals by the Education Ministry for a relaxation of the measures that were in place for most of the previous school year.

The ministry has also issued recommendations to parents to be particularly careful and to monitor their children in order to avoid the spread of the virus.

This means that when symptoms appear, a self-diagnostic test is recommended.

If the pupil is infected, it is recommended that they remain isolated at home for five days, as is the case for the general population.

After the five-day period and if there are no symptoms or if symptoms improve and there is no fever for 24 hours without antipyretics, the isolation can end.

As highlighted in the joint statement of the ministries of Education and Health, the students returning to school must do so with mandatory use of a high respiratory protection mask (N95 or KN95 or FFP2) or double mask for at least another five days after the end of isolation.