CoV tests in kindergarten remain voluntary
Coronavrus
Despite the rapidly expanding Omikron variant, there WILL be no more binding coronavirus tests in Salzburg’s kindergartens. As of Monday, all children will be regularly looked after in the facilities again, announced State Councilor Andrea Klambauer (NEOS).
The coronavirus tests in kindergarten remain voluntary. The country bought a total of 180,000 lollipop tests for a total of 400,000 euros. Many parents are unsettled by the increasing number of Omikron cases, but there will be no obligation for the tests, Klambauer said: “This is a decision that the health authorities will make. So far there has been no recommendation for a mandatory test – neither from the Ministry of Health nor from the State Medical Directorate. If there is a recommendation, we will of course implement it. “
For testing compulsory, a regulation of the country is required
They have not yet been approached with this question, says state medical director Petra Juhasz. An ordinance from the state would also be required for compulsory testing in kindergartens. How dangerous Omicron is for children is not yet clear.
How the new virus variant spreads among kindergarten children is observed very closely every day, assured Klambauer: “We always get the information when there are cases in the kindergartens and we will really decide with the experts from day to day how better here proceed is. But the data situation is still unclear and that’s why I understand the uncertainty among the parents. “
Lollipop tests are available twice a week
In any case, kindergartens and childcare facilities have been equipped with antigen lollipop tests for the coming weeks, with which children can be tested twice a week. Klambauer recommends regular tests so that chains of infection can be interrupted at short notice and the infection process can be contained. Childcare facilities may require a negative test to be presented. With a signed declaration of consent from the parents, regular testing (over 3 years of age) can be carried out in the kindergartens.
If the test result is positive, the health authority must be informed via telephone number 1450 as before and a PCR test will be carried out. On behalf of the health authority, childcare groups will continue to be closed for 5 days if 2 children test positive for PCR within 5 days. The infection process changes with each virus variant. The voluntary antigen tests are made available until it is clear how Omikron will affect the children, according to Klambauer.