Clayton County Schools will launch a district-based COVID-19 testing program at all school buildings beginning on Monday.
The south metro Atlanta district said the tests will be available to all staff and students daily and that the school system will be using the Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR test. Testing is voluntary.
The move will coincide with COVID-19 vaccinations the district will offer at select schools on Tuesday. Vaccinations will be limited to those 12 and older. Students between 12 and 17 must have permission of a parent or guardian.
“As we continue to prioritize the safety of all employees and students, we are proud to offer COVID-19 testing and vaccines to our students,” Clayton County Schools Superintendent Morcease Beasley said in a statement in announcing the plans. “While participating in these activities is completely voluntary, we are excited to move forward in our ‘Clayton Calling the Shots’ efforts and provide this opportunity.”
Since the start of the school year, the district has recorded more than 1,200 COVID-19 cases among students and staff. Last week, the district documented 194 cases: 177 students, 17 staff.
For a list of schools offering vaccinations and times, go to https://tinyurl.com/CCPSSBVaxSched.
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