Test to Stay Frequently Asked Questions
How does “Test to Stay” work?
If a student/staff member was exposed to someone with COVID-19 in school and is not fully vaccinated, the school nurse will contact the student’s parent/guardian or staff member notifying them of the exposure and that they have the option to remain In-School during their quarantine period by receiving daily testing Test to Stay. If the parent/guardian or staff member consents to daily testing through Test to Stay, the school nurse will provide details on the location and timing of daily testing. The student/staff member may return to school/work the next day if they test negative that evening in Test to Stay and do not have any symptoms of COVID-19. Please keep in mind that we will only accept test results provided through Test to Stay to allow quarantining students/staff to remain In-School.
If a student/staff member was exposed to someone with COVID-19 outside of school and is not fully vaccinated, parents/caregivers and staff members have the option to let the school nurse know of this exposure so that the student/staff member can participate in Test to Stay to receive daily testing and remain In-School during their quarantine period. If the parent/guardian or staff member consents to participating in Test to Stay, the school nurse will provide details on the location and timing of daily testing. Again, please keep in mind that only test results provided through Test to Stay will be accepted to allow quarantining students/staff members to remain In-School.
Can individuals participate in Test to Stay if not enrolled in the COVID-19 In-School Testing Program?
No. Students/staff members must be enrolled in the school’s weekly COVID-19 In-School Testing Program to participate in Test to Stay. However, if an individual is exposed to COVID-19, they can be immediately enrolled in the program so that they may participate in Test to Stay as well as weekly testing going forward.
What if an individual is exposed to COVID-19 and does not participate in Test to Stay?
If a student or staff member who is not fully vaccinated is exposed to COVID-19 and does not participate in Test to Stay, then they must stay home from school (quarantine) for 5 days following their known exposure and continue to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days.
Does an individual need to participate in Test to Stay if they are fully vaccinated?
No. Fully vaccinated individuals (those who > 2 weeks from their 2nd shot of Pfizer or Moderna or single shot of Johnson & Johnson but < 6 months from initial vaccination series for Pfizer or Moderna or 2 months from initial vaccination for Johnson & Johnson OR have received a booster vaccine OR are not eligible for a booster vaccine) do not need to quarantine and do not need to participate in Test to Stay at this time. Everyone, regardless of vaccine status, is encouraged to participate in the weekly In-School Testing program.
How will individuals be tested?
Individuals in Test to Stay will receive an antigen (rapid) test in the evening before every school day Monday through Thursday for 7 days following a known exposure to COVID-19. The antigen tests will involve a quick and easy nasal swab. The swab will be done by the individual or, if assistance is needed, by trained clinical staff.
When and where will the tests occur?
The Test to Stay Program will be testing individuals between 4pm and 7pm, Monday through Thursday, for admittance the following work/school day. Testing will be conducted at Dover High School and East Dover Elementary School and is free to all staff and students.
How long will it take to receive test results?
Results for antigen tests will be available typically within 30 minutes after the test is conducted.
How will we be notified of results?
Parents/guardians or staff members will be notified of results directly by email and/or text from Quidel, our testing partner. Individuals must forward the Quidel test result email to their school at the email address below the evening of testing to attend school/work the next day. If the test result email is not forwarded to the school before the start of the next school day, the student or staff member will not be permitted to attend school/work that day.
Can students in “Test to Stay” participate in sports and other extracurricular activities?
If your student tests negative and is able to remain in school during their quarantine period through Test to Stay, they may also participate in extracurricular activities. However, this does not include weekend activities, as testing is not available Friday through Sunday evening.
What if an individual tests positive?
Quidel will take a follow-up PCR swab at the Test to Stay site if an individual receives a positive antigen test, so participants are encouraged to wait at the site for the antigen test results if possible.
If someone tests positive, they will need to stay at home and start isolation immediately. Your school nurse/CDCF school liaison will reach out for information about close contacts so that everyone who has been exposed can be notified.
How will the school protect individuals’ privacy?
Testing results will be shared only for public health purposes, which may include notifying close contacts that they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and taking other steps to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in your school community. Information sharing and notifying of contacts will be done in a way that protects your student’s privacy. Sharing of information about all individuals will only be done in accordance with applicable laws and policies protecting student/staff privacy and the security of their information.