The health ministry on Tuesday announced the operation of mobile rapid testing units at primary schools for voluntary coronavirus testing of children.

The units will operate on a weekly basis starting Wednesday.

The decision was taken in collaboration with the education ministry “to ensure to the highest possible degree, that schools at all levels will operate in conditions of safety and protection from Covid-19 with the physical presence of students.”

Although testing is voluntary for primary school children, the ministry urged parents and guardians to discuss the matter with their children and consent to testing.

Elementary school pupils cannot be vaccinated currently, therefore regular testing contributes to early diagnosis, especially of asymptomatic children, and can prevent the spread in schools but also the family and social circle, the ministry said.