Pupils in Monaco will find a self-test coronavirus kit on their desk on their first day back at school. The screening system will be voluntary and must be authorised by at least one parent, the Government said.

These will be rapid, nasopharyngeal, but non-invasive and easy-to-use self-tests, recommended by pediatricians. A small sponge will be placed just at the entrance to the nostrils. Each member of the National Education staff will also be able to test themselves in the same way.

Self-tests for employees will also be offered to employers in the Principality who wish to take part in the scheme. Employers will be able to purchase self-tests via a teleservice.

The aim of the self-tests is to ensure that positive people are detected quickly and directly taken care of to quickly break the chain of contamination and start again on a good basis, the Government said.

FILE PHOTO FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY: A new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at-home test kit made by Lucira Health, newly approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization, sits on a table at a Sutter Health lab in San Carlos, California, U.S. November 18, 2020. REUTERS/Nathan Frandino