North Carolina To Offer Schools Free Rapid COVID-19 Tests

North Carolina has announced a new plan to maintain schools can operate in-person learning safely. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services told education leaders that it would offer free, rapid COVID-19 tests to local school districts and charter schools.

According to the Associated Press, the testing would be available to students, families, and school staff who are either symptomatic of the virus or who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. In order for students to be tested, however, parents will have to give permission for their children to be tested in school and have the results reported to the state health department.

The news outlet also reports that the plan, described to the state board of education on Thursday (March 4), also includes the potential for schools to screen teachers and staff as well as allow schools to request testing.

Though Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a bill last week that would have required schools to open, he has previously "strongly encouraged" all schools across the state to reopen in-person learning to some degree.

"Our students learn best in the classroom," Gov. Cooper said in a tweet on Friday (March 5). "Rapid testing is another tool to help students, educators and staff return to in-person learning safely."

To find a vaccine location, visit the department's website here.

Photo: Getty Images


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