- In case of a positive self-test, the student must NOT come to school. Confirmation with a laboratory test (rapid or PCR) is required within the next 24 hours.
- In case of a laboratory-confirmed case, the Health Office and the Administration Team (Principal and Citizenship Coordinator) of each school must be informed immediately.
Following the suggestion of the Committee of Experts, the operation protocol of the schools is updated to meet the needs of the new phase of the pandemic and the characteristics of the transmission of the Omicron mutation. Changes to the protocol aim to strengthen and expand the current measures.
In summary, three key changes are foreseen:
The weekly preventative self-test is NO longer mandatory for students and staff members.
If there is a case in the classroom, we no longer use the "cross" tracing system, (by testing only the students sitting near the case) but we extend the testing to the entire classroom. Now all students will have to perform two (2) self-tests on Day (0) or Day one (1) and on Day four (4).
Certificates of vaccination, recovery, negative rapid test, or negative self-test of students attending private schools are NO longer required with the exception of a close contact notification.
In case a student is considered a close contact, he/she must report the self-test results or complete the self-test verification form before their arrival on campus.
If a student/faculty member is tested positive, then he or she must be isolated for at least 5 days from the date of the positive laboratory test. Isolation will be discontinued on Day 6 if there is no fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, there are no symptoms, or if the symptoms subside (especially fever). If the fever or symptoms persist or isolation will be prolonged.
After their quarantine ends, students/faculty members are required to use a high respiratory protection mask (N95 or KN95 or FFP2) or a double mask for at least another 5 days.
Vaccination/recovery certificates are NO longer required.
Unvaccinated faculty/staff members must perform one (1) rapid test, every week on Tuesdays. The rapid test can be performed 48 hours prior to Tuesday.
Vaccinated/recovered/unvaccinated students and faculty members will perform two (2) self-tests; one on Day (0) or Day one (1) and the second self-test on Day four (4). School close contacts are obliged to wear a double mask or an N95/KN95/FFP2 mask for 10 days.
School close contacts must report the self-test results or complete the self-test verification form before their arrival on campus.
In the event that students or faculty and staff members are a close contact with an individual who has been tested positive outside of school they must do the following:
Faculty or staff members vaccinated (with a booster dose) or faculty or staff members vaccinated with 2 doses in the last 6 months or with one dose of J&J vaccine in the last 2 months, may come to school regularly and perform a laboratory test (rapid or molecular test) on the 5th day after exposure. Faculty and staff members must wear a high respiratory protection mask (N95 or KN95 or FFP2) or a double mask for 10 days after exposure.
Faculty or staff members, vaccinated with 2 doses over 6 months (without booster dose) or with one dose of J&J vaccine over 2 months (without booster dose) or unvaccinated, must remain in isolation for 5 days, and perform a laboratory test (rapid or molecular test) on the 5th day after exposure. After the 5th day, faculty or staff members must use a high respiratory protection mask (N95 or KN95 or FFP2) or a double mask for at least another 5 days.
If the students are vaccinated/recovered, they come to school normally and must perform a self-test five(5) days after their last contact with the confirmed case. Students must wear a high respiratory protection mask (N95 or KN95 or FFP2) or a double mask for 10 days after exposure.
If the students are unvaccinated, they remain in isolation for 5 days and perform a self-test on the 5th day after exposure.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur in schools and clusters have been reported in all types of school settings (preschool, primary and secondary school). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools appears to be affected by how widespread the virus is in the broader community.
Most children do not develop symptoms when infected with the virus, or they develop a very mild form of the disease. However, research has shown that children can become infected, and can spread the virus to other children and adults while they are infectious.
As in other confined spaces, important measures for schools are:
- physical distancing
- improved ventilation
- promotion of ‘stay-at-home’ when sick policies
- promotion of respiratory etiquette
- regular handwashing
- use of masks when feasible (considerations may differ by age of the child).
Physical distancing can be achieved by:
- grouping classes and groups based on infection risk and status (i.e. cohorting)
- ensuring physical distance in the classroom (e.g., separating tables)
- reducing class sizes
- staggering arrival times as well as meal and break times
- holding classes outdoors.
Physical distancing measures should aim to decrease the number of individuals and contacts in tight or closed places whilst ensuring schooling can take place.
These measures may reduce the spread of the virus in schools and also help to lessen the impact of other respiratory infections.
If a child becomes ill with COVID-19-like symptoms (cough, fever, fatigue, etc.), parents should keep the child at home, inform the School Nurse, the Citizenship’s office and seek advice from a healthcare provider, along the lines of national recommendations.
Please click here to view the Covid-19 most updated protocol including the close contact definition in schools.
A school class will suspend its face-to-face operation and online learning will be provided when laboratory-confirmed cases are detected in 50% 1 of its students.
No, the weekly preventative self-tests are no longer mandatory.
Yes, if he or she is age 5 or older. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for several COVID-19 vaccines The EUA means that these organizations have reviewed clinical trials data and determined that the vaccine is safe and effective. Currently, the Pfizer COVID-19 is authorized for use in kids ages 5 to 17.
You enter https://emvolio.gov.gr/en. For children without a Social Security Number (AMKA), the Greek government is now issuing temporary AMKA numbers in order to facilitate vaccination. Individuals without AMKA who believe they qualify for the current phase of vaccination in Greece may enter their personal data at https://emvolio.gov.gr/en/pamka to request a temporary AMKA number needed to obtain a vaccination appointment. Individuals may request a temporary AMKA number through a Citizens’ Service Center (KEP) as well.
In general, people are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks (14 days) after their second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
According to the authorities' latest updates, mask use is mandatory in all indoor spaces. Masks are highly recommended in outdoor spaces where there is congestion.
Unless there is a directive from local authorities that physical attendance is optional for students, all students must attend classes on campus and regular attendance policies apply. Should there be a special health circumstance, appropriate documentation must be presented to the school administration.
No, this is no longer required.
Due to the measures safeguarding health and safety in our campus related to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors are not allowed on the ACS Athens as walk-ins or unannounced visits.
Any visitors that must enter our campus for essential reasons, must:
- present a digital or hard copy certificate of vaccination 14 days following the date of the second vaccination in a 2-dose series and 14 days after a single dose vaccine.
- OR Certificate of recovery OR have a negative self test document
- Masks must be worn at all times indoors.
Visitors (including parents) must complete a form before entering the campus. In case of emergency walk-ins, the form will be given to the visitors by the receptionist.
Masks and physical distancing are mandatory.
At this point we do not have any directives about the cafeteria. More information will be provided prior to school opening.
More updates will be provided prior to the beginning of the school year.
To view the protocol please click here.
During the first few days of school, and regularly after that, our teachers and health personnel will provide specific instructions to all of our students. Visual materials will also be available throughout the campus.
Our daily cleaning services schedule of the entire campus has increased, including the cleaning of commonly used surfaces and shared spaces. Hand sanitizer stations will be placed around the campus; all those entering the campus will be asked to sanitize their hands and all students will be guided to practice hand sanitizing and other hygiene habits throughout the day.
Athletics and all our co-curricular activities are a fundamental component of the holistic education at ACS Athens. Once clearance is provided by the authorities, sports, recreational activities & co-curricular activities will take place with all necessary safety precautions.
The Tennis Academy Program operates according to the authorities' protocols & guidelines.
