Salem schools have used COVID pool testing for months While other communities have yet to jump on board, Salem is ahead of the game Leigh Blander Wicked Local Salem schools have been using COVID-19 pool testing since Thanksgiving and are now taking advantage of the free state program. “It’s another layer of protection,” said Chelsea Banks, the Salem schools’ chief of opportunity and response who is overseeing COVID testing for the district. “Our feeling is that anything we can do, we are trying to do.” In January, Salem tested 1,850 staff, students, and families. The results broke down like this: