Summit Schools Explore 'Test-To-Stay' Option For Students, Staff

SUMMIT, NJ — As some schools across the country begin implementing "test-to-stay" protocols to minimize absenteeism, the Summit School District is currently exploring this option for students and staff identified as close contacts to someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

According to Communications Officer Laurene Callander, Summit Schools are in the process of discussing options concerning "test-to-stay," which has been highlighted by CDC as a valuable tool for keeping students in school.

Callander said the district is communicating with the Department of Health, as well as Union County officials and will share more about implementing the frequent testing process once information is available.

"Test-To-Stay" is a COVID-19 strategy that allows students and staff to continue in-person learning while minimizing the disruption of quarantine on students, families and schools. It has not be officially endorsed by the CDC, but it has been highlighted as a way to keep more students in K-12 schools during the pandemic.

More specific details about the frequency of testing can be found on the NJ Health Department's website.

In a statement released on Dec. 17, the CDC said "test-to-stay" also includes "promoting vaccination of eligible students and staff, requiring everyone age 2 and older [to] wear a mask inside schools and facilities, keeping at least 3 feet of distance between students, screening testing, ventilation, handwashing and staying home when sick."

Summit's COVID-19 Dashboard, which displays a COVID-19 case count by school, shows there are 254 total cases in the district as of Thursday.

To view the school-by-school breakdown click here.

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