Dear Walnut Square Families,
Here is a message about weekly testing for HPS:
Testing
We will again be offering routine COVID Safety check testing weekly in our schools. This is a quick and easy lower nasal swab, which will be sent out as a group for testing. If the sample tests positive, individuals will be tested separately to determine if there is a positive case of COVID 19. By testing students and staff weekly, including those who are unvaccinated and vaccinated, we will increase the likelihood of preventing spread especially from individuals who are asymptomatic.
Additionally, Haverhill will be participating in a new program from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health, called “Test and Stay”. If an individual in school, who is unvaccinated, and is considered a school close contact, then the individual may be eligible to continue to come to school during their quarantine period and be tested at school using the Abbott Binax Antigen test daily for 5 days in school.
Parent permission will be required and information on providing permission for routine COVID Safety check testing, and the use of the Abbott Binax test.
To consent to testing for your child, or self (staff member) please click on this link: Click here for further information..
If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Carolyn Desilvestre or Nurse Helen Boudreau. Thank you!