In Moscow, starting tomorrow, free express testing of students for COVID-19 will begin at 10 schools. The check will be carried out every two weeks using express tests of the Rapid BIO company, a Skolkovo resident (in coordination with VEB.RF). Rapid BIO tests help to determine the probability of the presence of a virus in less than 10 minutes, the reliability of the result is 96%.

A rapid coronavirus antigen test is a quick diagnosis. Its result is not a confirmation of the diagnosis, but serves as a signal for an additional check of the health condition by the doctor.

Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development, Head of the Operational Headquarters for Controlling and Monitoring the Coronavirus Situation in Moscow: “The express test is a modern diagnostic system used all over the world. Now, when there is another increase in the incidence of coronavirus in the city, it is especially important to promptly identify those who can potentially serve as a source of the disease. Children most often carry the disease in a mild or asymptomatic form, while they are almost 1.5 times more likely to transmit coronavirus infection to cohabiting relatives than adults. Over the past month, 2.5 times more school-age children fell ill than in the previous month, and in the last two weeks alone, 42% more school-age children fell ill than in the previous two. Moreover, over the past month, more than 280 school-age children were hospitalized. With the growth of morbidity, a number of regions are switching to distance learning. We understand that this is an extreme measure that no one in the city wants to allow, and we are working out other possible mechanisms. Therefore, we are introducing express testing in 10 Moscow schools. Each student from grades 1 to 11, as well as pupils of preschool groups, will take this test once every two weeks. Based on the results of the pilot and the development of an effective algorithm, we will consider the possibility of organizing testing in other educational organizations. "

Kirill Kayem, Senior Vice President for Innovation at the Skolkovo Foundation: “Maintaining a normal school routine is an extremely important social task. In school-age children, asymptomatic COVID-19 is often observed. Express testing of schoolchildren will help limit the spread of the disease. Rapid Bio tests developed with the support of the Skolkovo Foundation by Rapid Bio are already being used in medical institutions both in Moscow and in other regions, and have demonstrated high accuracy in practice. "

Rapid BIO's rapid coronavirus test is one of the most sensitive and high-quality on the world market. The SARS-COV-2 virus antigen is determined in the sample, which is a kind of analogue of the PCR test, but does not require additional equipment and laboratory tests.

Anzhej Zhimbiev, General Director of Rapid Bio: “Rapid diagnosis is perhaps one of the most effective ways to combat COVID-19 in the world. Rapid Bio test allows with high accuracy - 96% - to determine the probability of a virus in just 10 minutes. It's easy to use and safe, so it's easy to use even at home. Abroad, rapid tests for COVID-19 are sold everywhere and are used in public places, airports, offices, educational institutions. "

Rapid tests are sold in pharmacies and are actively used in everyday life; they do not require special medical skills to use. By the decision of the school, both employees of educational organizations and medical personnel can be involved in express testing. If desired, parents will be able to do the smear themselves in the presence of school staff. High school students can also conduct testing on their own under the supervision of a teacher. Taking a smear takes place with a thin and soft stick, which cannot be harmed. However, school staff were trained to take rapid tests.

The testing of schoolchildren will be lined up strictly according to the schedule - with the indication of the day, time and place for each class in order to avoid intersections.

Reference Information

Currently, the Government of the Russian Federation is transforming the system of development institutions, providing for their integration into the management perimeter of VEB.RF. On the basis of VEB.RF, a centralized investment block is being created to implement projects that contribute to the achievement of national development goals. The priority of VEB.RF Group is the consolidation of public and private investment resources for the breakthrough development of the country, improving the quality and creating comfortable living conditions for people.

The Skolkovo Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2010 and acting as the managing company of the Skolkovo Innovation Center. The purpose of the Foundation is to support technological entrepreneurship in Russia and commercialize the results of research activities. The number of Skolkovo residents has already exceeded 3000. The Fund provides them with a range of services necessary to bring developments to the Russian and international markets. Resident status gives the company tax and customs benefits. In 2020, the residents' revenue exceeded 160 billion rubles. Since 2019, the law allows any organization engaged in research activities in Russia to gain access to all services and benefits of Innovation center. The Skolkovo Innovation Center is home to the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), which is one of the top 100 young universities in the world according to Nature Index. The infrastructure of the Innovation Center is made up, in particular, of the largest Technopark in Europe and research centers of industrial partners. In 2019, three new partner R&D centers were opened in the Innovation Center - Sibur, TMK and Tatneft. On the territory of Skolkovo, a total of more than 760 thousand square meters have already been commissioned. m. residential areas, research and educational centers. Off-budget investments in infrastructure creation exceeded RUB 100 billion. Website: https://sk.ru.

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