The Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports published the circular on the protection measures to reduce the transmission of respiratory infections in schools across the country that will open on 8/1 after the Christmas holidays.

“According to the instructions of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) from 04-01-2024, and in order to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory infections (SARS-CoV-2 virus infections, flu, etc.) in the school environment, it is recommended that teachers, students and other staff observe the following basic measures of Primary and Secondary Education school units”.

The proposed measures:

Regular hand washing

• When hands are visibly soiled (soap and water)

• Before and after: – The preparation or serving of a meal – The meal – Using the toilet

• Hand washing with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds should be followed by careful drying with disposable paper towels and disposal in waste bins.

• Alternatively, the application of an alcoholic antiseptic solution is recommended.

➢ Good ventilation of indoor teaching spaces. It is recommended to open the windows regularly to improve ventilation.

➢ Avoidance of poorly ventilated areas with crowds of people (e.g. corridors, stairs, use of elevators).

➢ Avoiding gatherings of many people – keeping physical distances.

➢ Avoiding touching the face, nose, eyes and mouth and washing hands thoroughly before and after doing so.

➢ Cough or sneeze into elbow or tissue. If a tissue is used, it should be carefully disposed of after a single use followed by hand washing.

➢ If a student shows symptoms of a respiratory infection (sore throat, cough, runny nose) or has a positive laboratory test result for a respiratory pathogen

such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus or RSV, it is recommended to stay at home and limit contact with other people.

➢ Staying at home is recommended until the symptoms subside or improve and at least 24 hours have passed since the fever has completely subsided (without taking antipyretics).

At the same time, the Ministry of Education published the circular on the subject of student absences due to illness from covid 19.

Read the circular on absences in detail

As the Minister of Education Kyriakos Pierrakakis had announced, referring to the matter in question, “by decision of the relevant Association of Teachers/Teachers of the school units, they are registered but dabsences are not counted from student classes up to five (5) working days, due to the coronavirus COVID-19, for the 2023-24 school year.

This decision is issued at the request of the parents/guardians of the students or the students themselves if they are adults, together with which the relevant responsible declaration of par. 4 of article 8 of Law 1599/1986 is submitted, showing at the same time a positive check with the use of rapid detection of the COVID-19 coronavirus antigen (rapid test) or molecular control (PCR)”.