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Schools Advise Parents to Rapid Test Children - Cyprus Pediatric Society Clarifies (VIDEO)

Published February 16, 2026, 22:24
Schools Advise Parents to Rapid Test Children - Cyprus Pediatric Society Clarifies (VIDEO)

The Cyprus Pediatric Society is clarifying the use of rapid tests on children before returning to school, emphasizing that it is not an official directive from the Ministry of Education. The company points out that rapid tests have reduced sensitivity when the viral load is low, increasing the likelihood of false negative results. Furthermore, it is emphasized that testing asymptomatic children with rapid tests is not supported by the data, while the tests have clinical value in diagnosing children with acute respiratory symptoms. At the same time, the Pediatric Society warns of an increase in respiratory infections, such as influenza, coronavirus and RSV, due to the carnival season and crowding. A new outbreak is expected in the coming days or weeks. Michalis Anastasiadis, President of the Cyprus Pediatric Society, stated that the tests have reduced sensitivity when the viral load is low, increasing the likelihood of false negative results. The company draws attention to the increase in respiratory infections, due to the carnival season and crowding, expecting a new outbreak in the coming days or weeks.