The Minnesota Department of Health has announced that schools this upcoming school year will be able to test students for COVID-19 free of charge regularly.
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Schools will be allowed to develop their own programs for testing as students are set to make their return to the classroom in the coming weeks. Tests available to schools will include nasal swab and saliva options.
This no-cost program will give schools the ability to keep students in the classroom, where learning is crucial. The MDH made the announcement in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education.
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The MDE will also be providing grants to support testing efforts in schools.
Schools will have access to individual PCR tests, pooled PCR tests, and rapid tests, both antigen and molecular.
Districts, charter schools, tribal schools, and nonpublic schools will have access to the tests that work best for their communities as school districts create their testing plans.
This option for testing comes with an effort to keep kids in classrooms with the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant.
“We must use every available tool to keep our students in classrooms because we know that is best for their well-being and academic success,” MDE Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller said. “We stand ready to partner with and support our school leaders across the state as they develop local COVID-19 testing plans that keep our students, staff, and families healthy and safe.”
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Masking has been another topic for discussion regarding the upcoming school year as the CDC and MDH have both recommended that everyone wear masks this school year, regardless of vaccination status.
Currently, there is no vaccine available for kids below the age of 12, also leading to the conclusion that everyone in grades K-12 should be in a mask.
For now, schools will be given an extra resource, as the school year comes up quickly, to keep students in classes instead of at home.