300K Rapid Coronavirus Tests Headed To More Washington Schools

ISSAQUAH, WA — A new partnership between Seattle Children's and nine Washington school districts will provide 300,000 rapid coronavirus tests to screen thousands of staffers and students each week. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Issaquah) announced the pilot program this week, slated to begin in the Auburn School District first, before expanding throughout March.

In a statement, Schrier said:

"I am thrilled that we have been able to get this partnership off the ground and make our schools even safer for students and staff. These tests only take a few minutes to provide results. And if you're positive, then you stay home from school until it is safe to return, slowing community spread. We can make schools some of the safest places in the country with these rapid tests. As Congress gets ready to pass the American Rescue Plan and production of all types of testing ramps up, we could be ready to show how and where these tests are most effective."

According to Schrier's office, the partnership was made possible after the congresswoman secured 300,000 rapid tests from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services late last year. Similar pilot programs in Pierce County and elsewhere in Washington have produced promising results.

"For months I have been talking about what rapid tests could mean for our children, schools, and reopening the economy," Schrier said. "Even though vaccines are rolling out, we are still months away from getting everybody immunized. These tests could play a major role in safely reopening our economy, getting children back into their classrooms, and their parents back to work."

While antigen tests have been found to be less reliable than traditional PCR methods, research has shown they can be an effective tool when used at regular intervals and in conjunction with other health and safety measures. Unlike tests that require a lab to process results, rapid tests return positive or negative within minutes. According to Schrier's office, once the new program reaches its full scale, weekly tests will be available for approximately 6,000 staff members and 12,000 students.