Robyn Harris with Dallas ISD said the district is getting 15,000 rapid antigen tests and they will start by testing student athletes every week before practices, and eventually include other students and staff.
“Our student athletes have the greatest interaction,” said Harris. “Many of our programs have had to have some version of disruption due to a positive case. We believe that if we start with our student athlete population this will absolutely help to identify students who are asymptomatic and will help us be better informed,” she said.
Results from the antigen tests come back in 15 minutes.
Harris said there’s no cost for the district to be involved in this program and the TEA is also providing necessary PPE to administer these tests. Testing will be begin as early as November 2nd. Harris said this is not mandatory but highly encouraged.
“While it is a pilot program, we will likely continue on for as long as the state will allow for these testing resources to be available,” she said.
Soon, other school districts across Texas will be able to apply for these tests.
