North Carolina Will Offer Schools Free Rapid COVID-19 Tests
Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a bill last week that would have required schools to open. Even though he vetoed, he “strongly encouraged” all schools across the state to reopen in-person learning in some capacity.
In addition, to make things safer so schools can reopen, North Carolina has announced a plan that would offer free, rapid COVID-19 tests to local school districts and charger schools.
According to the Associated Press, the rapid testing would be available to students, families, and staff who are either symptomatic or who have been exposed to someone who tested positive. Parents will have to give permission for their children to be tested in school and have the results reported to the state health department.
Our students learn best in the classroom. Rapid testing is another tool to help students, educators and staff return to in-person learning safely.https://t.co/ojpmjf3Ujq
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) March 5, 2021