Status: 23.03.2021 7:13 p.m.
On Monday, Hamburg started the nationwide corona self-tests in schools – now the test frequency is to be expanded quickly.
The school authorities announced on Tuesday that a large part of Hamburg’s schools could offer every student two quick self-tests instead of one per week in the coming week. From this Wednesday onwards, 1.4 million new rapid tests would be delivered, so that the total delivery already specifically planned would amount to 1.9 million.
Three tests for employees
In the week after Easter at the latest, two tests per student per week could then be taken at all schools. At the same time, school employees should be able to test themselves three times a week, according to the authority.
School Senator Ties Rabe (SPD) said on Monday: “School can even help to limit the spread of the infection throughout Hamburg to a certain extent.” Participation in the weekly tests is currently still voluntary. “In the medium term, we have to look closely at how many are taking part. And if there are too few, we would not hesitate to make the test mandatory. And if you don’t take it, you would have to stay at home. that we don’t have to resort to such means at the moment, because the response is actually very good in many schools. And I am confident that the vast majority of pupils and parents will really enjoy taking advantage of this free test offer, “said Rabe in the Hamburg Journal of NDR television .
Explanatory video and information letter
According to the school authorities, a cotton swab must be inserted into the front of the nose during the self-tests. A test liquid is then used to check whether there is an infection. To ensure proper use, the authorities have commissioned an explanatory video with hand puppets suitable for children and written an information letter for parents and children in eight languages.
Further information
