The Deputy Secretary of State and Health, António Lacerda Sales, said today that serological tests will be carried out on teachers, so that schools can open safely at the beginning of the new school year. Serological tests identify the existence of specific antibodies created by the body in response to an infection.
Speaking to journalists, António Lacerda Sales said that the Government’s objective is “to continue testing, not only in homes, but in as many segments of economic activity as possible, and this includes teachers.” However, when questioned he could not confirm any dates as to when the testing will start, or provide any further details about the proposed plan.
All that is known, is that the mainland Government will promote a serological study of five thousand employees and nursing home residents throughout Portugal, to evaluate how long the vaccine remains effective in older people and those working in nursing homes.
For those interested, you can find out more about serological testing at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/serology-testing.html
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
