Test to Stay Model Could Cut Down on COVID-19 Quarantines for Schools

Local students have lost weeks of in person learning because of COVID-19 quarantines, whether or not they’re sick themselves.  More than 3,300 children in Portland Public Schools alone, have had to quarantine since the start of this school year in September.  Unvaccinated students who have been in close contact with someone who has the virus are now required to stay home from school for seven to 14 days. Now a new test to stay program could change that.

 Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill says the quarantine restrictions in K-12 schools can just about be eliminated with testing.  He explained to state lawmakers how a “Test to Stay” model would work.

Students would be tested immediately after possible exposure to COVID-19, and again after 7 days. If the tests are negative, students can stay in school and not have to quarantine.  The same policy would apply to school staff. Oregon’s program would differ from many others in the U.S., which require swabbing students at least every other day using rapid tests.

Gill says the state should have enough tests on hand to begin the program by the end of November.