Thank you for participating in the recent survery related to on-site COVID testing at FMSL. 208 responses were submitted. The results, along with additional details of the program being considered, are included below.
Why Consider Testings at FMSL?
Testing provides an important layer of prevention, particularly in areas with substantial to high community transmission levels. Many people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms but can still spread the virus; finding who has the virus early means steps can be taken to prevent COVID-19 from spreading and causing an outbreak. Regular testing also means parents or guardians get notified if their child tests positive, allowing them to plan for treatment and take steps to protect the rest of the family from COVID-19. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) is partnering with public, charter and private schools to make on-site school testing possible in a concerted effort to keep schools open and students attending in-person instruction.
What Oversight Would Be in Place?
UDOH provides schools with a convenient school-based testing for teachers, staff and students. Training and guidelines are provided by the UDOH including conducting testing registration and obtaining consent, specimen collection, result reporting, and patient result notification.
What Test would be Administered?
The state provides the school with BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests. This is a nasal test, using a swab for the lower part of the inner nostril.
Who would be Tested?
Parental permission and student consent would be sought prior to this testing program being implemented. Students 2+years of age are eligible to participate. No child will be tested against their will.
What Happens Next?
If you indicated you would be willing to volunteer, a member of the team examining this program will be in touch to gather details of availability, etc. An information night will be held virtually on 11/16/21 from 7-8pm to provide additional details and allow for questions and concerns to be addressed. So we can make the best use of our time that night, please submit your questions or concerns to margaretmcdonald@mcsslc.com in advance of the event.