January 1, CDC Endorses ‘Test-to-stay’ School Policies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed “test-to-stay” policies that allow students potentially exposed to the coronavirus to remain in classrooms if they test negative.

CDC officials embraced the method used by many school districts after research indicated that infections didn’t increase.

“Test-to-stay is an encouraging public health practice to help keep our children in school,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said.

The CDC’s guidance had previously been that when someone in a school tests positive for the coronavirus, those deemed to be in close contact should quarantine at home for 10 days.

With the announcement, the CDC now says both test-to-stay programs and quarantines are equally good options for schools.

The Associated Press reported that hundreds of schools are utilizing test-to-stay policies, with several states having allocated funding to prevent students from spending long periods away from school.

Source:

CDC endorses schools’ coronavirus ‘test-to-stay’ policies