No 'Test-To-Stay' In Westfield Schools — For Now

WESTFIELD, NJ — As some schools across the country begin implementing "test-to-stay" protocols to minimize absenteeism, the Westfield Public School District said it is not planning to do so at this time.

Coordinator of School and Community Relations Mary Ann McGann said Westfield Schools do not currently have the capacity to implement "test-to-stay" protocols, and it would be difficult to execute due to the delay in receiving test results.

"An important variable is that we do not have the capacity to take on testing as a district with our nursing staff already managing daily reports, contact tracing, and notifications," McGann said. "Another major consideration is that, given the backlog in testing and delays in receiving results, 'test-to-stay' would not be a viable option for us at this time."

"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.

In a statement released on Dec. 17, the CDC said "test-to-stay" is a valuable tool that 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."

McGann said Westfield Schools will continue to explore needs and options with the local health department, as they continue to monitor COVID-19 cases.

Lincoln Early Childhood Center and all Westfield elementary schools returned to a full-day, in-person schedule this week. The Intermediate and high schools began the week with half-days due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases but returned to a full-day schedule on Wednesday.

For future updates, go to the district's website.

Get a free morning newsletter with news in Westfield or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe