Waltham Eyes State COVID-19 Pool Testing

WALTHAM, MA — District school officials are looking into whether the state's recently announced free COVID-19 pool testing program at schools would work in Waltham.

"At first glance, I see this as a much-needed step in the right direction toward the safe reopening of schools," said Superintendent Bryan Reagan. "The state should have made a program like this available months ago, so it is nice to finally see progress."

Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday said Massachusetts will provide pool testing for all schools in support of the state's long-held stance that more children need to be learning in class. The state will pay for the first six or so weeks of the program, but leave the option open for districts to continue it, at cost.

The announcement came as a surprise to most. An online information session is set for Tuesday, and Waltham plans to attend, Reagan said.

"This is relatively new information for superintendents," he said. "I am concerned with managing the logistics internally, but expect to learn more about that during the webinar."

The Massachusetts Teachers Association, meanwhile, said it was happy about the testing.

"This is a tremendous victory for educators and families across the state," association President Merrie Najimy said in a statement, adding schools still needed to ensure low school and community transmission rates, adequate ventilation systems, requirements and plan for onsite vaccination programs.

Previously:

MA Launching Coronavirus Testing Program For Schools ...

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.