The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has clarified that COVID-19 testing for students is not mandatory and will be subject to parental consent. 

The Ministry said in a statement issued on Twitter that parents of students selected for random COVID-19 testing will be requested to sign a consent form prior to their children getting tested.

“The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Higher Education will conduct random testing of students. This will enable the early detection of COVID-19 cases among students and will limit the spread of the virus in the school environment,” said the Ministry. 

“Testing of students is not mandatory and will be subject to parental consent. Parents of students selected for random testing will be requested to sign a consent form prior to their children getting tested,” it added. 

To recall, during a press conference explaining the latest developments related to the COVID-19 and students returning to schools, it was announced on Monday that random tests of students will be done in September as part of precautionary measures.  
With a maximum of 30 percent of children in school each day, in addition to supporting preventive measures, officials have said that everything is in place to enable children to safely return to schools. 

Around 98.5 percent of teachers and school staff were tested negative in a test done by the Ministry of Public Health.

SOURCE: THEPENINSULAQATAR