As students in Qatar embark on a new academic journey under Phase 4 of the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions today, the relevant authorities have worked tirelessly to ensure a safe return to school.

Yesterday at a press conference focused on the latest developments related to the COVID-19 and returning to schools, it was announced that students would be randomly selected to undergo COVID-19 testing.

In a tweet on its official Twitter page, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) today confirmed that these random tests will be carried out with the permission of the parents of the students selected.

"Testing of students is not mandatory and will be subject to parental consent," the Ministry highlighted in the tweet.

Parents of students selected for random testing will be requested to sign a consent form prior to their children getting tested.
#Yoursafetyismysafety pic.twitter.com/jZmKmBqUC3

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) September 1, 2020

MoPH will conduct the testing of students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

"Parents of students selected for random testing will be requested to sign a consent form prior to their children getting tested," the Ministry stated.

According to the Ministry, this will enable the early detection of COVID-19 cases among students and will limit the spread of the virus in the school environment.

Qatar has adopted the Blended Learning approach for this academic year.

The blended approach will enabling children to return to school has been carefully planned with all the relevant authorities and all measures are being put in place by schools to ensure the safety of children and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, it was highlighted during yesterday's press conference.

With a maximum of 30 percent of children in school each day, in addition to supporting preventive measures, Qatar is confident that everything is in place to enable children to safely return to schools.

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Source: MOPH

Cover Image Credit: for illustrative purposes only