COVID serological tests for all students to begin next week

The IDF Home Front Command will begin administering serological tests to all children from ages 3-12 next week to prepare for the expected return to school on September 1, reports the Kan public broadcaster.

The government is administering serological tests in order to discover which children were infected and recovered from the coronavirus without knowing. Those who are found to have COVID antibodies will be granted a “Green Pass” — just like those who are recovered or vaccinated — and will be exempt from quarantine if someone in their class tests positive.

Yesterday, Defense Minister Benny Gantz approved calling up 6,000 reservists to assist in the Home Front Command operation.

Serological tests in the Haredi sector began earlier this month, although only about 25% of eligible students have been tested. Initial results indicate that about 20% of Haredi students who had not previously been confirmed to test positive were found to have antibodies.