ETHS implements in-school COVID testing for students
On Dec. 21, ETHS sent an email informing students and staff that COVID-19 testing of students would be implemented on Jan. 11 and 12 following winter break, an action meant to halt any virus spread as the school returns in-person for Quarter 3.
The email from Superintendent Eric Witherspoon states, “During the week of January 10, 2022 as we return from winter break, students at every grade level, regardless of vaccination status, will have the opportunity to participate in the COVID testing at ETHS.” Except those students whose parents or guardians submit an opt-out form by Dec. 23, all other students will be tested during their PE or Wellness classes on Jan. 11 and 12.
The email goes on to explain that following the Jan. 11 and 12 testing, students will participate in weekly testing during school hours, without the need to make an appointment. This weekly testing is set to begin on the week of Jan. 18 and will take place during a portion of students’ PE or Wellness classes.
The testing comes after ETHS saw its largest spike in COVID cases thus far in the 2021-22 school year, recording 129 cases during the week of Dec. 13, leading to an adaptive, in-person pause from Dec. 17 to Dec. 23. Broader testing will better capture positive cases and enable the school to halt spread more efficiently.
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