COVID-19 Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are staff and students required to test?
Answer: No. At this time all testing is being conducted on a voluntary basis. However, in order to maintain in-person instruction, schools that fall within certain micro-cluster zone designations (Yellow, Orange, Red) are required to test between 20 - 30% of all in-person students and staff. If Erie 1 BOCES is unable reach the required threshold, it will alert families and staff and encourage additional voluntary testing.
Question: Who is tracking the testing information?
Answer: As a Limited Service Laboratory, Erie 1 BOCES is required by law to report individual testing results to the New York State Department of Health through a secure, online portal. Additionally, and in an effort to limit over-testing students, Erie 1 BOCES will share its data with its partner component school districts. This information is outlined in the Testing Consent Form.
Question: Will testing interrupt class time for staff or students?
Answer: No. Testing sites and schedules were designed to cause the least interruption of programs and services and multiple testing locations are available. Testing schedules and locations can be found here.
Question: How often will volunteers be tested?
Answer: Based on current guidance, volunteers can be tested once every 5 - 6 weeks. Every test is voluntary. An agreement to test once, does not require an individual to ever test again.
Question: Who should NOT get tested?
Answer: (A) If you are feeling unwell, please stay home. We recommend contacting your primary care physician for further guidance. (B) Individuals currently subject to an active quarantine should stay home. (C) Anyone who tested positive in the past 90 days should not get tested at this time.
Question: Who administers the test?
Answer: Erie 1 BOCES Testing Centers operate under the direction and supervision of its Medical Director. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, all of whom currently work with Erie 1 BOCES' students and staff, have been trained to administer the test. School leaders will also be present at each testing site to support the process.
Question: My child was already tested for COVID-19 someplace else (ex. doctor or home school). Can you count that test?
Answer: Maybe. The test must have occurred within the past 7 days and proof of test results must be provided to the school.
Question: What is the test and how accurate are the results?
Answer: The BinaxNow rapid test is approximately 97% accurate. It is a non-invasive nasal swab. For additional information about the test, please click here.
Question: My child has special needs. What will their test experience be like?
Answer: Parents should make the individual decision to participate in testing based on how well their child handles routine medical appointments. While testing staff have experience working with children, parents know their child best and can make the right decision for them.
Question: Can I bring other members of my family to test.
Answer: Unfortunately, we can only permit the student or staff member to be tested at this time. Minor students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Question: When will I get my test results?
Answer: Participants can choose to wait in their car for test results and someone will deliver written results. Individuals who choose not to wait will only be notified of positive results. Written results will be available on-site at the school for pick up at a later time. Results will also be shared with the home school on a weekly basis.
Question: What happens if my child tests positive?
Answer: Individuals who test positive will be immediately notified by an Erie 1 BOCES' Registered Nurse who will instruct the individual to isolate, quarantine and contact their primary health care professional. As per required reporting procedures, Erie 1 BOCES will then notify the Erie County Department of Health and the individual's home school district.