Greece: Schools set to re-open on Monday the 10th of January

As it seems, for now, schools will re-open on Monday, January 10th, but with an increase in the tests for the students

The scenario for conducting a rapid test now is off the table, as it does exactly the same job as the self test and because the government is afraid of a “heart attack” in public structures.

In addition, according to information from pagenews.gr, although the possibility of implementing new protocols in schools has been extensively discussed, no change seems to be in favor.

According to experts, children are safe in schools as long as tests are performed, they wear a mask and all measures are observed, as the same children come in daily contact. Unlike homes, where children can possibly come into contact with people who have not been checked.

At the same time, there is a debate about the possibility of changing the test protocol when one of the students is positive for the coronavirus.

According to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Koptsis, if the committee of experts suggests a change in the protocols or an increase in the tests, the ministry will support them immediately in order to ensure the health of students with schools open again.

As he says, 32 million self-tests have been performed in schools since the beginning of the year.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Education assured that everything is ready so that any school class that is suspended due to Covid-19, the next day can start distance learning courses.

The committee of experts is meeting tomorrow, however announcements are likely to be made on Wednesday or Thursday. The committee may need to meet again on Wednesday to evaluate the latest data from recent days. In any case, the announcements will be made before Friday, so that the families have time to adapt to any new data.

Meeting in Maximou

At the morning meeting under the Prime Minister today at the Maximos Mansion, it was confirmed that the Omicron mutation is transmitted quickly but does not cause serious illness. In addition, a stabilization was observed in the intensive care units. All the data were put on the table, without the need to take additional measures, while the meeting was mainly concerned with the safe return of students to school.

Every day there are two to three meetings on the issue, while within the day or tomorrow, the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is going to discuss with the Minister of Education Mr. Niki Kerameos but also with other ministers for final decisions.