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COVID-19 TESTING FAQs
Please see below for the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 testing at CSAT.
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Why is CSAT preparing to test students and staff for COVID-19?
Posted by: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.
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What type of testing will this be?
Posted by: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
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Will everyone who consents be tested?
Posted by: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.
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Are students and staff members who are all-remote part of the testing?
Posted by:No. All-remote students will not be tested and should not complete the consent form.
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Does this mean the school will be continually testing to keep school open?
Posted by: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.
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Where and when will the testing take place?
Posted by: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.
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Who is involved with the testing process?
Posted by:We are working with our school nurses and partners the Ken-Ton School District as well as the Erie County Department of Health.
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Can parents be there while their child(ren) are being tested?
Posted by: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.
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When will results of the tests be available?
Posted by:Individual results for the minimally invasive, short-swab nasal tests are read 15 minutes after the test is administered.
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What happens if the short swab nasal test is used and the results are positive for an individual?
Posted by: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.