SAUGUS — On Thursday, the School Committee met to discuss the town’s new COVID-19 testing plan as well as the implementation of a possible vaccination site.
According to data compiled by the state, Saugus has the highest daily COVID-19 infection rate in Essex County. It also holds the lowest number in the state for vaccination among 12-15-year-olds.
The state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is now offering an extra layer of protection for the 2021-22 school year: Starting Sept. 27, the school will begin their COVID-19 testing program. This program is designed specifically to stop and prevent the spread of COVID throughout the schools, and has three components:
The first component, which will begin Monday, will be systematic screening for COVID. This testing will be open to both students and staff who show symptoms of COVID-19 in a school building.
The second component will be routine COVID “safety checks.” This pooled testing protocol will prevent the spread of the virus, according to DESE. It will also allow for the discovery of undetected cases among students who don’t show symptoms.
Lastly, “Test and Stay” protocol will allow for students who have come in close contact with a COVID-positive person to remain in class as long as they are tested at school for at least five days after exposure..
Students will only be allowed to participate in the new testing program if they are able to secure permission from a parent or guardian.
“I’m really really encouraging our families to opt in to the testing options,” said Superintendent of Schools Erin McMahon.
McMahon explained that remote learning is not an option this year, and added that if a whole class comes down with COVID, it would mean two weeks away from learning.
If a student gets COVID, there are some technological resources ― such as Google Classroom ― wherein teachers can put out material, but McMahon said it is not ideal.
In terms of a mobile vaccination site, the School Committee was imagining that they could open one of the town’s schools on a weekend so that residents could get vaccinated there.
As of right now, the town has never pushed to have a vaccination fair or event. This could give some direction to people who don’t know where or how to get vaccinated, and could also encourage families to go together.
The School Committee expressed how, with the help of everyone, each person getting vaccinated will make a difference in COVID cases throughout town.
Hannah Chadwick can be reached at [email protected].
