According to Ms Maja Bratuša, 4,816 PCR tests and 24,995 rapid antigen tests were performed yesterday. PCR tests confirmed 1,034 new infections. The seven-day average of infections is 706, which is less than yesterday’s total (737).

Minister Simona Kustec said that matura exams will also take place in this school year. This year, slightly more than 17,000 secondary school students have registered for matura exams, of whom just over 10,000 for the vocational and 7,000 for the general matura. The schedules for both matura exams remain unchanged. The Minister thanked all those that have participated in drafting this year’s matura exams. She wished candidates successful preparations ahead of their exams, as well as good health.

According to State Secretary Franc Vindišar, at the initiative of the National Examinations Centre, all students registered for matura exams who have not been vaccinated are now included into the 4^th priority group of vaccination strategy. It is currently not possible to choose a vaccine, and the same is true for the rest of the population. The candidates who have been vaccinated will already be protected by the time they undertake most of their matura obligations. At the same time, however, all other measures must continue to be observed as well. Mr Vindišar noted that the expert advisory group at the Ministry of Health had decided to allow the exceptional suspension of quarantine to matura candidates so that they may take their exams. He also recommended that young people socialise in a safe way.

Director of the National Examinations Centre Darko Zupanc said that all activities could be carried out according to the time schedule. Matura exams have been well organised in great detail for more than 25 years in Slovenia and are a much safer activity than school classes. Mr Zupanc thanked the advisory group at the Ministry of Health for supporting them in their efforts to allow quarantined matura candidates to take PCR tests and proceed with their exams.