Rapid Tests Hoped to Bring Schools One Step Closer to Normality

Luxembourg's Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch, held a press conference on Thursday morning on the planned deployment of COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests in primary and secondary schools after the Easter holidays.

The Education Minister, who was accompanied by Romain Nehs, head of the general directorate of secondary education, and Dr Thomas Dentzer, strategic coordinator at the Directorate of Health, first discussed the emergence of new coronavirus variants and the ministry's response to their presence in schools.  

Romain Nehs then presented an overview of the latest official report on the evolution of the virus in schools. The report showed that variants, particularly the British and South African ones, were responsible for most new infections. Mr Nehs explained that the fact that these variants are more contagious meant that high incidence rates no longer correspond to older age. 

He added that preventative measures, particular mask wearing and testing after quarantine, had proven effective in slowing down the spread of the virus. 

On the topic of rapid tests, Minister Claude Meisch expressed the hope that the introduction of such tests in schools would bring some normality back to students and teaching staff's lives. The Educaton Ministry is recommending that everyone carry out one rapid test per week, although this will not be obligatory. It will be the responsibility of teachers to pass on test results to health officials.

The Education Minister then presented a promotional video (see below) which explains how to correctly use a self-test.The Education Ministry is also organising a webinar on Tuesday 20 April 2021 aimed at helping teaching staff understand how these tests work.

Minister Claude Meisch concluded by recalling that everyone is a part of the solution and urged for continued vigilance. He added that officials have prepared new measures (including distance learning) should the situation worsen.