COVID Testing for Symptomatic Students and Staff
Based on recent communication from the Broome County Health Department, we are pleased to announce the following updated protocols regarding testing requirements for students and staff who are experiencing COVID symptoms.
A BINAX NOW COVID-19 antigen test (performed at a health care provider’s office, at the Broome County Health Department’s testing site, or a licenced testing site) may be accepted for a student or staff member to return to in-person learning as long as the following criteria are met:
- Symptoms are improving
- No fever in the past 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications
The student/staff member never had any of the most compelling or serious symptoms of COVID-19, which would include the loss of taste or smell, pneumonia, illness requiring hospitalization, or symptoms while already under quarantine as an identified exposed person - The BINAX Now COVID-19 antigen test was not performed on the day of symptom onset
Please note that while PCR tests are still preferred, the allowance of antigen testing will allow students and staff to return to school much more quickly. Additionally, negative home tests will still not be accepted as proof of a negative test.