Should Teachers Get Tested Regularly for COVID-19?

July 13, 2021

 A return to the classroom this fall will also mean a return to in-person learning. Some teachers will be fully vaccinated, but some will not. Testing teachers regularly could bring teachers added peace of mind and help prevent outbreaks. Schools want to not just open, but open safely with confidence.

Many students, especially the youngest ones, will not be vaccinated when they return to the classroom in the fall. Younger children can often carry the COVID-19 virus without showing any symptoms – thereby helping to spread the virus far and wide. Regular testing can help to minimize the spread.

Testing is important to teachers, because these positions do not allow for the opportunity to work from home where one may stay isolated to minimize exposure risk. Teachers’ risk of being exposed to the virus is increased when they are teaching in the classroom. Not all teachers will be vaccinated, and some who are vulnerable can be at a higher risk for complications. Testing would give teachers one more line of defense.

Schools will be leaning on proven strategies to control the COVID-19 virus – wearing masks, washing hands and distancing from one another. Many schools are adding testing to these protocols. Even some testing is better than none.

It is likely that some of the teacher population will fall ill due to COVID-19 during the school year – even with taking all the proper precautions. Testing often provides a chance for early treatment. The earlier you can seek treatment, the better you off you are. And the less likely you are to spread to others.

Teachers will not be the only ones to be tested in schools – staff, students and voluntary personnel should also be tested regularly. Schools are going through the process of making these decisions now, so that in-person learning can continue through the school year.