5,000 Covid self-test kits donated to Education Ministry

“It is far more debilitating on our children to keep them away from school than it is to get them back in. So while there is a risk, we are trying to manage that risk and that is what we aim to do by distributing these test kits,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, speaking at the handover.

Minister of Education, Youth & Information Fayval Williams, while thanking the Ministry of Health & Wellness noted that “The test kits are intended mainly for use in primary schools, where there are many younger children for whom vaccination against COVID-19 is not yet approved.”

Dr. Tufton pointed out that the Health & Wellness Ministry will provide a protocol to school  administrators in the use of the test kits, with provisions in place for further assessments should that become necessary.

“These self-test kits represents one of the several protocols that will govern children going back to school and schools will continue to collaborate with the local health departments in the COVID-19 response, including additionally testing and infection prevention and control measures,” he added.