Top epidemiologist: Positive tests at schools likely to rise

The number of positive antigen tests registered among the children allowed to return to classrooms in the Czech Republic is likely to rise as they spend more time in the risky environment of school, says epidemiologist Petr Smejkal, who heads a specialised group at the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Smejkal told radio station Frekvence 1 that he considered the use of antigen tests at schools problematic and said more accurate PCR tests should be used instead. He said secondary school students would probably be able to return to classrooms in May.

Last Monday grades one to five at elementary schools went back to school on a week-on, week-off basis, as did final year pre-school children. Antigen tests are administered twice weekly.