Zone guidelines call for schools to test a percentage of students and staff members over a given time period in order to remain open for in-person instruction, which is our goal.

NYSDOH will be providing CSAT with the Abbott BinexNOW nasal rapid test, which is a minimally invasive shallow swab test that involves a swab (similar to a Q-tip) going in the front of the nose. Individual results for the minimally invasive, short-swab nasal tests are read 15 minutes after the test is administered. You can watch a demonstration here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5dRjdLVAPM&feature=youtu.be

Not necessarily. Only a certain percentage (which varies based on the zone), of students and staff members would need to be tested. If more than the number required consent to be tested, then it’s possible that not everyone who agreed would be tested.

No. All-remote students will not be tested and should not complete the consent form.

No, a zone designation does not automatically mean continual testing. Our current understanding is that it’s possible that only one round of testing would be required if the school’s positivity rate is less than that of the greater community. However, testing requirements could evolve as state guidance evolves, and we will continue to monitor this and communicate with families and employees.

Testing will take place in a designated area in each school. As soon as we know the timing of the tests we will communicate that information.

We are working with our school nurses and partners the Ken-Ton School District as well as the Erie County Department of Health.

Because of the need to maintain social distancing and limit visitors in school, we are unable to allow parents/guardians in the building for testing.

Individual results for the minimally invasive, short-swab nasal tests are read 15 minutes after the test is administered.

We will notify the family and the student will go home from school and referred for follow-up with their medical provider.  In the event of positive results, we will follow all of our current protocols regarding working with public health partners regarding contract tracing and quarantining.

Yes.