NY lets schools ‘test-to-stay’ so more kids exposed to Covid can remain in classrooms

Coronavirus in Syracuse schools

Students arrive at Jordan-Elbridge Middle School in this file photo from Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.comLauren Long | llong@syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y. — School kids in Onondaga County who have been exposed to Covid-19, but don’t have symptoms, will be allowed to remain in the classroom instead of quarantining at home under new state “test-to-stay” guidelines.

The state notified county health departments today they now have the option of allowing school districts to offer this approach to students and their families.

This approach, used in other states, allows kids who have been exposed to the virus to stay in school as long as they get frequent Covid tests and test negative.

Under previous state guidelines, children exposed to the virus must be kept out of school and quarantined.

Some parents and education advocates say this approach results in many kids unnecessarily missing a lot of school.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday the state has purchased 1 million rapid Covid antigen tests that will be available to schools so children exposed to the virus can “test to stay.”

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said Friday the county is encouraging school districts to adopt “test-to-stay” policies.

“We have to keep kids in school,” McMahon said. “We will support school districts and help them where we can.”

McMahon said school districts will decide whether to offer the test-to-stay approach.

McMahon did not offer a timetable when the test-to-stay will become available here.

The state guidance says local health departments can also allow parents to use over-the-counter at-home Covid tests as evidence to keep students in school. The tests recently received emergency approval from the FDA.

James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com

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