Union City BOE to receive free COVID-19 testing kits from the White House to implement test-to-stay

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The Union City Board of Education will receive thousands of free COVID-19 testing kits from the White House in order to implement the test-to-stay policy to keep children in classrooms.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

10 million tests are being distributed nationwide as part of President Joe Biden’s (D) plan to keep students in classrooms for in-person learning.

The kits will include both rapid antigen tests, which produce immediate results, and PCR tests, which require lab analysis. They are being sent to state governments for distribution to the selected school districts.

“We are using every tool available to us to protect our students, school district employees, and the entire community,” Mayor Brian Stack, also the state senator of the 33rd Legislative District, said in a statement.

“I want to thank President Biden for creating this important initiative and Governor Murphy for selecting Union City as one of the first districts to begin implementing it.”

Prior to reopening on January 18th, the Union City Public Schools distributed 15,000 rapid test kits to its students, approximately 90 percent of which were used.

In the past, anyone who had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 had to quarantine for 14 days.

However, utilizing test-to-stay, unvaccinated students who have a close contact will now be tested by a school nurse up to three times. Provided that they test negative and are asymptomatic, the student will be able to remain in school.

“Our district is pleased to be among the first in the nation to pilot this new program. It adds another layer of protection for our students and staff, while allowing students to continue with the in-person learning that is so vital to their development,” added Superintendent of Schools Sylvia Abbato.


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