Towns Union Ready to Support Testing at Primary Schools

Bratislava, November 26 (TASR) - The Slovak Towns Union (UMS) is ready to support testing at primary schools founded by local governments, TASR was told by UMS spokeswoman Daniela Pirselova following the meeting with the Education Ministry and member towns on Thursday. However, the union is convinced that if this project is to be successful and meaningful, testing must be mandatory. Therefore, it expects this legislative intention to be resolved by the state. The towns believe that if this condition is met and if all partners, that is the Education Ministry, the management of primary schools, as well as parents, children and school staff themselves responsibly cooperate, they can handle this demanding project. "This project intends to get children to schools before Christmas and this is a priority for all of us," said UMS President Richard Rybnicek. Education Minister Branislav Groehling (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) was tasked by the central crisis management team with presenting by Monday (November 30) a solution on how to reopen schools from December 7. This is to be connected with regular testing of students and parents. The costs of testing would be paid by the state but the testing should be organised by schools. am