If you were not aware, MDHHS has ordered that any athlete participating in junior high and high school spring sports be tested for COVID-19 a minimum of once a week. There have been many questions and concerns about this new order and while we do not have all the answers, below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions. Please contact the high school office during business hours if you would like to discuss this further.
Testing will begin on Wednesday, April 7th, at 8:30 am. Student-athletes must have their consent forms turned in to the high school office beforehand. Consent forms were distributed to students this morning. If you need an additional copy for any reason, contact the high school office.
FAQs
1. What type of test will be used?
The test is the rapid antigen test, which takes about 15 minutes and uses a swab of a person's nostrils to determine if that person is infected.
2. What happens if my child tests positive?
You will be contacted if a test comes out positive. We will refer you to the health department to do a PCR test and quarantine your student while you await results (usually 48-72 hours).
3. How much will this testing cost my family?
There is no cost to the families at this time, the tests are being provided by the state.
4. What if my child has already had COVID-19?
Any student who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days does not have to be tested as long as they have a document from their physician with the positive test result to submit to the athletic department prior to participation.
5. The order states the age requirement is 13 and up. My student is under 13, does he/she still have to test?
No, testing is not required for students under 13, however, if you would still like your athlete to be tested you may call and request a consent form and we will test students from the junior high track team who are younger than 13 with parent permission.
6. What if I refuse to let my student be tested?
While that is everyone's right, at this time we are being told that those students who are not tested or deemed exempt from testing will not be allowed to participate in spring sports.