WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Rapid testing for COVID-19 is expanding into more Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
Trained staff can administer the tests to symptomatic students or staff members.
Anyone with a negative result is then cleared to return to the classroom or school building quicker.
"I’ve had a lot of staff members that are just really thankful to have this in their schools because they want those kids back in the school. They don’t want them to be out any longer than they have to be, and this has afforded them the opportunity to get those kids and staff members back in school faster," Katie Keys, WS/FCS Director of Nurses said.
These tests are part of a coordinated effort between the Forsyth County Department of Public Health and WS/FCS.
Results are then uploaded in a state program called electronic COVID-19 Aggregate Test Reporting or eCATR.
The testing program started in January and is implemented in almost 60 schools.
The district says they hope to have someone trained and available to offer the testing in every school and even the central office by the end of February.