EODY issues health guidelines for Greek schools and nurseries

The National Public Health Organization (EODY) has issued specific guidelines regarding the management of infectious diseases in schools and nurseries. The instructions aim to balance student health with the need to minimize unnecessary absences.

For individual students, EODY advises staying home during the contagious phase of an illness. Key return-to-school criteria include: - Gastroenteritis: Return 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea. - Flu, Cold, or COVID-19: Return after 24 hours without a fever (without the use of antipyretics) and once the child feels well enough. - Strep throat: Return 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

Symptoms requiring immediate removal from school include fever (with or without rash), multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, worsening respiratory symptoms, and skin lesions with fluid that cannot be covered by a dressing.

Regarding school closures, EODY clarifies that shutting down a facility is a rare measure taken only after a formal risk assessment by public health authorities. For most respiratory infections, a closure is considered if more than 10% of students or staff exhibit symptoms or are absent. For rarer diseases, even two cases may trigger a review. In most instances, managing individual cases and enhancing standard hygiene measures is sufficient to prevent outbreaks.