Missouri schools have a new testing policy for COVID. Here’s what parents need to know
Missouri students exposed directly to someone with the coronavirus can now stay in school, sports and extra-curricular activities if they meet certain criteria.
The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education on Tuesday updated its quarantine guidance for students exposed to the coronavirus.
Under a new option, called “test to stay,” those exposed to someone with a known coronavirus case can remain in school if they get tested frequently with negative results. Ultimately, the decision on whether “test to stay” can be used is up to the local public health agency where the school resides. Kansas incorporated a similar option in July.
Students, teachers and staff who come in close contact with someone with COVID can continue to attend school and extracurricular activities through the “test to stay” option if:
- Their exposure happened outside their home or outside what is considered a “higher-risk” setting.
- The person does not have any symptoms for the full 14 days after exposure.
- They take at least three rapid antigen tests during the first seven days after exposure, preferably on non-consecutive days, and test negative before entering into a school setting.
- They wear a mask in school at all times during the 14 days after exposure (with the exception of eating and drinking, at which point social distancing is required).
Daily COVID testing is recommended for those who have been exposed who want to continue participating in extracurricular activities and sports for the 14 days after exposure. If an extra-curricular activity is scheduled for that day, a rapid test and a negative result is required before the individual can participate. This day-of testing is required even if it’s a day when school isn’t in session.
If the person exposed at any point in the 14 days starts to notice symptoms, they should self-isolate at home.
Anyone who has been exposed to someone with COVID, whether quarantining at home or using the “test to stay” option, is asked to quarantine outside of the school and extra-curricular setting, according to the state.
