The Ministry of National Education and Culture launched screening tests at schools on Thursday following a surge in daily Covid-19 cases with the arrival of the more transmissible Omicron variant.

Screenings are taking place at all public and private schools across the country.

Education Minister Olgun Amcaoğlu who visited several schools where screening tests were being carried out said that the move was part of the tightening of measures at education institutions where a significant number of cases are being detected.

He said that he favoured the continuation of in-class education and that he was determined to take all necessary measures to ensure that schools remained open.

“However it is vital that all relevant stakeholders act together so that in-class education continues uninterruptedly,” Amcaoğlu added.

He pointed out that the measures taken at schools would not be enough to curb the rise of daily cases and that families also needed to pay more attention to personal measures.

“The health of our pupils, teachers and students is our priority. However, should cases continue to climb we could temporarily close schools following consultations with health authorities,” Amcaoğlu said.

The education minister urged families not to panic as hasty decisions taken under pressure could have negative consequences for everyone.

“The two-week February semester break is around the corner. Cases at schools will drop at the beginning of the holiday. However, families should be careful during the February holiday. This process is important in ensuring that in-class education can continue uninterruptedly during the spring semester,” he said.