Frequently Asked Questions

 

Overview

+ Why do Routine COVID Safety Checks? ▿

  1. Keep kids and staff safe: catch cases before they spread to other students and staff
  2. Keep our schools open: prevent further time away from in-person learning and friends by knowing whether it's COVID, cold, or flu
  3. Stop the spread: prevent infecting another member of your household or community

+ Does it hurt? ▿

No, we have better tests since the start of the pandemic! It's a short swab and so easy to do that even a kindergartner can do it!

+ Do we still need to test once our school community gets vaccinated? ▿

Yes, all vaccinated individuals should participate. While vaccines still do a great job of preventing severe illness, if a vaccinated individual contracts the Delta variant it IS possible to transmit the virus. In order to keep schools open and our unvaccinated loved ones safe, we must curb transmission as quickly as possible. Masks and Routine COVID Safety Checks help us do that.

+ Does this cost any money to the school, staff, or families? ▿

No. It is fully funded by the state through DESE. This is free!

+ Can private and charter schools participate? ▿

Yes, any K-12 school in Massachusetts can participate.

+ Can I use previously pre-approved vendors from last Spring? (Veritas, Ginkgo, Project Beacon) ▿

DESE will no longer process reimbursements if you choose not to participate in the CIC Health/DESE program. See below for other funding options.

+ Can I get reimbursed with state money if we use another vendor other than CIC Health? ▿

You have two funding options if you choose to use another testing vendor:

  • ESSER Funds - use your existing district funds to apply toward another testing provider
  • FEMA/MEMA Reimbursement - submit for reimbursement to cover the costs of your other testing program.

Testing Operations

 

+ What are the different types of tests? ▿

PCR Test = nasal swab with results in 24 hours. This tells us if there is ANY virus present.

Rapid Test = nasal swab with results in 15 minutes. This tells us if you are contagious right NOW. This is the BinaxNOW test.

+ Can non-healthcare professionals help swab? ▿

Yes! Anyone in the school community can be trained to observe testing. With appropriate safety gear (such as gloves, a mask, and sanitizer) anyone can be trained perform testing.

All Routine COVID Safety Checks are overseen by the school's nurse.

+ What is someone is absent on a day we're doing our Routine COVID Safety Check? ▿

That's ok - just test them next week!

+ How do I know if I was a close contact? What happens next? ▿

Under the "Test and Stay" protocol for asymptomatic close contacts you have the option to remain in school and be tested daily with BinaxNOW (rapid test) for at least 5 days. Vaccinated staff and students are exempt from quarantine

You are a close contact if you:

  1. Were within 6 feet of COVID-19 case (someone who tested positive) for a cumulative total of 10-15 minutes during a day while the person was infectious. a) Symptomatic Infectious Period: Begins 48 hours prior to symptom onset, and while they were symptomatic; b) Asymptomatic Infectious Period: Begins 48 hours prior to the collection of their positive test, until anytime in the 10 days after the test.

  2. Had direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case while not wearing PPE.

+ What if the Routine COVID Safety Check is positive? ▿

If a student tests positive, that student must quarantine at home for the CDC-recommended ten days since symptoms appeared or ten days since the positive test before returning to school. The student must also be without a fever for 24 hours.

During this time, the student will participate in school remotely.

Consenting and Communications

+ What rate of participation do I need to make Routine COVID Safety Checks worth it? ▿

Any testing is better than no testing. Even reaching 20% participation rate in a school community will quickly stop the spread.

+ How do I increase participation in my school community? ▿

  1. Make outreach calls to caregivers
  2. Help distribute consent forms
  3. Answer questions for those who have not yet signed up
  4. Reach out to your local pastor or community leader to help spread the word and encourage sign ups.

For more info, check out our Communication Plan Checklist.

+ Is there a School Leader Communications Toolkit? ▿

  1. Three Phase Communication Plan - get your participation rates up!
  2. Sample Introduction Letter to Caregviers (LINK)
  3. Communicate your testing design (who, what, when)

+ Is there an Educator Communications Toolkit? ▿

  1. Example Video: How to Swab - by a Second Grader
  2. Example Video: BPS Testing Video (multiple languages available here)
  3. Example Video: BPS COVID Testing for Elementary School
  4. Get your classroom's participationg rate up by setting a classroom challenge!
  5. Share your school's consent form and encourage your caregivers to sign up

+ Is there a Parent/Caregiver Communications Toolkit? ▿

  1. Sign your child's permission form!
  2. Encourage your parent community to sign up
  3. Know the participation rate at your school. Help set and reach a participation goal!

What about Vaccines?

 

+ Are there back to school vaccination clinics? ▿

Sign up for a free mobile vaccine clinic at your school!