The Department of Education will run a series of online town hall meetings next week to teach parents about the coronavirus saliva test programme.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said the programme was designed to help control the spread of Covid-19 and keep schools safe by identifying risks.

Mr Rabain added: “We hope that parents will attend these town hall meetings to learn more about the programme, and see the role that these tests play in helping us to move beyond this pandemic.

“The screening process will not start until school returns, however, as we look forward to returning to in-school instruction on Monday, safety is paramount.

“We can create a safe learning environment by each of us – students, parents, and school staff – playing our part by getting tested."

The meetings will start next Monday with a session for preschool parents and guardians and continue on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with sessions for primary school, middle school and high school parents.

The meetings will start at 6pm and registration details can be found in the parent newsletter The Scoop.

Mr Rabain added that free self-administered saliva testing was already available.

Tests are available at Penno’s Wharf, St George’s on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 6pm, and at the Star of India in Sandys on Tuesday and Thursday at the same times.

Appointments can be booked online at https://bdagovcovid.resqwest.com/web/.

Testing is also available on Saturday from 10am to 3pm at St. Paul AME Centennial Hall on Victoria Street, Hamilton, with booking online at https://stpauls.resqwest.com/web/.

People should not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in the half-hour before the test.

Mr Rabain told the public: “Each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

“Follow public health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app.

“Do the research, talk with your doctor, and make an informed decision about getting the Covid-19 vaccine."