BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Students may soon be spending less time in quarantine and more time in class.
It’s thanks to a rule change by the New York State Department of Health.
The “test-to-stay” option allows unvaccinated students, who have been exposed to COVID-19, to show a negative test, instead of being placed on quarantine.
The state health department says it does not recommend the protocol. But if local health departments want to do it, they can.
Test to stay? New state memo gives local health departments choice on COVID rules in schools
“At least the door is open for us to work together and collaborate on finding a way to make it happen. As I’ve said before, we are open to the conversation with the Erie County Department of Health and willing to link arms and figure out a way to make it work,” said Michael Cornell, president, Erie Niagara School Superintendent Association.
The state said it’s up to each county to determine if they’re going to allow the schools to take part in the program. The health departments in Erie and Niagara counties to us they’re reviewing this policy.
Angelica Morrison is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2019. See more of her work here.
New on WIVB.com
October Male Scholar Athlete: Cheektowaga’s David Douglass
Decision on “Test to Stay” school quarantine policy left up to local health departments
Frontier cruises to 50-20 win over Sweet Home
Buffalo mayoral candidates make final push to earn votes
Southwestern comes back to beat Depew 26-21 in Class C Quarterfinals