A less intrusive coronavirus test is launched for children.

Qatar’s health ministry (MOPH) has announced that the country has become one of the first to provide a saliva-based COVID-19 test.

Instead of inserting a cotton swab inside a child’s nose—which can often create discomfort not just for kids but adults too—children can now easily transfer their saliva into a sample pot.

According to the MOPH, studies around the world researching the alternative testing method have proven it to be effective.

Read also: Concerns raised after COVID-19 cases detected just days into new academic year

With children returning to schools amid the pandemic, there have been fears circulating among parents that this would create a resurgence of the virus. In response to safety concerns, the MOPH will conduct random tests to prevent the spread of coronavirus among people attending educational institutions, this new form of testing will make it even easier to conduct more tests.

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