As private schools and colleges are set to reopen from February, it has come to light that some educational institutes are insisting for mandatory RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests for students. The move has invited differing opinions from paediatricians and healthcare experts, even as majority feel tests need not be compulsory. Citing that WHO or Indian Academy of Pediatrics has not made any such guideline, they said that regular testing may lead to unnecessary trauma and fear among both students and parents. Some also added that frequent swab collection from nostrils and throat is not advisable.

“With all schools reopening, it has been seen that some have started mandatory RT-PCR few times a week and daily rapid antigen tests for all children attending school. There have been no such guidelines issued by WHO or IAP which recommends such testing. This will impose unnecessary trauma and fear among children and parents,” said Dr Fazal Nabi, Director, Department of Paediatrics at Jaslok Hospital.