BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Some Massachusetts schools will be returning from Thanksgiving to a new preliminary COVID-19 testing regime.
According to Massachusetts Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley, 134 schools across the Commonwealth will be offering the Abbot BinaxNow Test, which came about through the federal government and takes about 15 minutes to show results.
"It has become increasingly clear that this virus is going to be with us for a while," Riley said at the State House Wednesday. "Even though the news is promising and incredibly optimistic about the vaccines, it is unlikely that it'll be ready to be administered to children during this academic year."
The state's widespread testing for anyone with coronavirus symptoms in schools is scheduled to begin in early December. Riley said each school will be using trained staff to administer the test for students who get parental permission.
"This is a voluntary initiative, with test kits provided to schools at no cost and designed to help schools continue to provide in-person instruction," Riley said. "Schools chosen for Phase One need to meet six criteria, including the ability to complete DPH reporting requirements, and ensure staff who administer the tests are trained."
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal reports:
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