October 30 (BTA) - Caretaker Education and Science
Minister Nikolai Denkov is quoted by his Ministry as telling bTV
 here on Saturday that he does not see how children can return
to school before November 8.

Denkov explained that students will go back to class when the
safest possible environment and testing is ensured for them. He
said that it would be dangerous for children to be back in
class, given the high COVID-19 morbidity right now, because they
 also get infected and sometimes become seriously ill.

"We have no choice, given the current morbidity. We will have to
 either get children sick in schools or ensure a safe
environment," the Minister said.

Asked whether there will be a lockdown, Denkov said that this is
 yet to be decided on. What the data show is that there is a
relative stability of morbidity in recent days, despite the
increase from last week. "Weare once again on the verge of
seeing if the curve will go up or down. What happens in the next
 two weeks will be crucial for a possible lockdown," he said.

***

The Health Ministry reported earlier on Saturday that 28 offers
for COVID-19 tests that are comfortable to administer have been
opened in the presence of the special commission, journalists
and representatives of the Education Ministry.

The Health Ministry published an invitation on October 26 to all
 interested parties for thepurchase of rapid antigen tests that
are not invasive when administered for the purpose of screening
students in grades 1 to 4. The purpose is to allow in-class
attendance.

Up to 400,000 saliva sample tests are needed. Every participant
can offer different quantities of tests, depending on their
ability to supply them within three businessdays after the
contract is signed. The criteris for selecting a contractor are
the lowest price per unit and the shortest possible period to
supply the tests. There are no restrictions when it comes to how
 many contractors can be involved. RY/MY
 



/МЙ/