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April vacation does not start until next week, but many Massachusetts families are getting a head start so they can make coronavirus testing part of their itineraries. School officials are also urging caution, hoping the travel does not lead to a spike in COVID cases.
For the first time in over a year, the Dunn family from Milton is headed to Florida for vacation. They postponed their February trip and feel a lot better now that they are going in April. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather.
Testing for COVID-19 at School: Frequently Asked Questions 12 min read
Carla Constanza, a nurse with Medford Public Schools, performs a COVID-19 swab test on 5th grader Zachary Maynard at McGlynn Middle School in Medford, Mass., on March 15, 2021.Nathan Klima for Education Week Share article Copy URL
School districts are increasingly reopening schools for face-to-face instruction after a year of virtual learning. But they are under immense pressure to keep COVID-19 from spreading in their buildings. That pressure will continue next fall, as most students aren’t likely to start receiving vaccines until late 2021 or early 2022.
Many schools are using mitigation strategies such as universal masking, physical distancing, and improved ventilation. Testing their own students and staff for the virus is another strategy that’s won broad support, but relatively few districts so far have shouldered that role.