'Test to stay' to be implemented on teachers beginning March 14

The "test to stay" program will be introduced to teachers of elementary and high schools in the public and private sector, following a decision by the Cabinet on Wednesday. It comes into force beginning March 14.

The procedure is the same as followed so far for students. Therefore, a Ministry of Health announcement says, all teachers of elementary and high schools who are close contacts of a confirmed case and need to isolate based on the protocol, will visit the testing units as announced daily by the Ministry and take a rapid test for 7 consecutive days following the day of the contact with the case.

Testing is free and teachers who decide not to get tested and will have to self-isolate and take a leave.  More details will be announced in the coming days.

The Ministry announced that following the introduction of the measure for students with the aim for schools to remain open and safe, the Minister had meetings with the teachers` unions with whom he exchanged views and listened to their suggestions regarding the process to be established. 

The Ministry said that the "test to stay" measure implemented on students has been a success so far.