And now for something completely different on my plengegen.com blog. This blog was written in partnership with a number of scientists and clinicians in my local community and serves as rationale for comprehensive viral testing program in K-12 schools. The document (pdf link here) was circulated to members of our community and discussed as part of a town webinar last week (link here).
Executive summary:
There is much debate about the value of viral testing program for K-12 schools. As described here, we support a comprehensive viral testing plan that returns results in less than 24 hours as part of an overall risk reduction strategy. Testing should be prioritized as follows: (1) baseline “time zero” at the start of school of all students, teachers and staff; (2) symptomatic testing of all students, teachers and staff; (3) at least weekly surveillance testing of all teachers and staff; (4) at least weekly surveillance testing of older students; and (5) at least weekly surveillance testing of younger students. While symptomatic testing is available through local hospitals, clinics and testing centers, baseline time zero testing and surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals is not. Thus, additional investment is required to support a comprehensive viral testing program in K-12 schools.…