In 2022, the way testing for COVID-19 looks in Vermont schools will be different. These changes are necessary due to the speed at which the Omicron variant transmits. Many of the tools that we have used successfully in the past are no longer a good use of resources because they cannot keep pace with how quickly Omicron spreads.

Vermont schools will be shifting gears from contact tracing and PCR surveillance tests to rapid antigen tests, which will be distributed to households so that families can test students at home. This program decreases the burden on schools while still allowing unvaccinated students who have been in close contact to someone with COVID-19 to continue to attend school as long as they test negative at home each day.

Vaccinated students who are close contacts will continue to be able to attend school without testing. Students are considered vaccinated if they have completed their initial two-dose series of vaccine.

School nurses will be able to test anyone in the school community who develops symptoms at school using rapid antigen or LAMP tests.

The state is in the process of implementing this program, which includes communication and planning with school leadership and finalizing logistics. Families should stay tuned to their schools and school districts for more information about how testing will look in their community.

Last week, Vermont Department of Health has updated isolation and quarantine guidance for those who test positive for COVID-19 and those who are a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Schools should follow Vermont’s new guidance. It is likely the CDC will make additional updates to various recommendations in the coming week. Schools should follow the Health Department guidance.

Contact: AOE COVID-19 Response Team at AOE.COVID19Testing@vermont.gov