
<p>Most countries currently require some form of test &#8211; whether you’re vaccinated or not – before you can board an aircraft or clear customs. That’s where the easy part ends. At GenePace, we’re going to try and help you make sense of all the different requirements so you can concentrate on what matters most – getting to your destination safely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Traveling Time Frame</h2>



<p>Countries generally require a test performed between 48-72 hours prior to your departure or arrival. We recommend consulting the airline or the country you’re traveling to and see if they specify a difference between departure and arrival. While the airline can be a good starting point, most countries have a dedicated website concerning requirements for entry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Types of testing</h2>



<p>This has been another source of confusion we have seen. The most common requirement is an “RT-PCR”. This stands for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. This uses RNA as a template and, after amplification, reverse transcribes it into complimentary DNA. One of the reasons this test is required by certain countries is it’s very high sensitivity and specificity. Some countries don’t specify RT-PCR and other methods may be acceptable. Be very careful with this requirement as we have heard from many people turned away at the airport because they didn’t have an RT-PCR.Rapid antigen testing is another type of test we have seen accepted by some countries. Also known as a “rapid test”, this detects a specific protein or “antigen” in a lateral flow cassette and typically takes 10-20 minutes. The benefits of a rapid test include cost, convenience, and time. The downsides to a rapid antigen test are mostly sacrifices in sensitivity and/or specificity when compared to a PCR.&nbsp;Always pay very close attention to the type of test required. If requirements simply state “a negative COVID test”, a rapid antigen test will usually be acceptable. However, we strongly recommend confirming this before booking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unusual requests</h2>



<p>This part has been the trickiest. We have seen some require a QR code on the test result, other documentation to fill out, or a specific type of swab (e.g. nasopharyngeal swab) be used and documented on the result. GenePace can typically accommodate these requests and we will work with you to ensure you meet the requirements mandated by the country you’re traveling to.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Does my insurance cover my test for travel?</h2>



<p>Generally, no. Insurance or the federal government will cover a COVID test if you’re symptomatic, have been exposed, or believe you were possibly exposed. Insurance will usually decline reimbursement for a test used for travel purposes. Because of this, we won’t ask for your insurance card when you need a test for travel and you can avoid the possibility of an unexpected bill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What else do I need to know?</h2>



<p>We believe the above has covered the basics and we realize this “new normal” can seem overwhelming. We don’t see ourselves as just a testing provider. We take a consultative approach and will work with you to figure out or clarify any unusual requirements. In short, call or email us! Our phone number is 463-999-0558 and email is <a href="mailto:contact@genepace.com">contact@genepace.com</a>. We encourage you to visit <a href="https://www.genepace.com">our website</a> to book your test and look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Indianapolis, IN or Arlington, VA!</p>


COVID-19 Travel Testing – What do I need to know?


<p>We are thrilled to expand our reach to the DMV area as we open a location in the heart of Rosslyn – just two blocks from the Metro!</p>



<p>Who are we? GenePace began in Indianapolis, IN where we have had the pleasure of leading testing efforts for events and organizations like March Madness, the Horizon League, USA Basketball, USA Gymnastics, Pacers Organization and many more! Further, our partnership with Butler University has allowed us to serve the general public and at-risk communities in brick-and-mortar locations throughout the city, a practice we plan to continue as we broaden our horizons to areas like Arlington.</p>



<p>For our travel clients, GenePace specializes in formulating personalized plans that tackle even the most complex of travel requirements, removing the all-too-common stress of flying so you can concentrate on what matters most – getting to your destination safely. We use reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology to help meet the strict travel requirements placed by many countries surrounding COVID-19 testing. GenePace operates a dedicated CLIA High Complexity lab which ensures quick turnaround times that we guarantee. So instead of giving you an estimated window of time to expect your results &#8211; we give ourselves (and you) a deadline you can rely on.</p>



<p>For the Arlington community, we’re here to make a difference by doing our part in diagnosing and preventing the further spread of COVID-19. We offer no-cost testing with fast turnarounds for those who’ve been exposed or aren’t feeling well. On top of RT-PCR tests, we also provide antigen testing options for immediate peace of mind or for travelers with destinations that accept a rapid antigen. In the spirit of offering a comprehensive service, our staff is trained to not only administer the tests, but to also advise our clients of next-steps in the case of an exposure or positive result. If there’s a need in the community, we’re prepared to use our resources to fill it.</p>



<p>Whether you need a test for travel, are feeling sick, have been exposed, or you’re part of a community in need, give us a call or visit our website. Every case is unique, and we recognize that. We are known for our consultative approach and are excited to help you re-open your business, have that special event, or return to travel safely.</p>



<p>To book your appointment or get more information, visit our <a href="/covid-19-testing-arlington-va">Arlington, VA COVID-19 booking page</a> or give us a call (463) 999-0558. We look forward to seeing you!</p>


GenePace Solutions to Serve NOVA – Rosslyn Metro Opens June 28th!


<p>There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines in groups that have objected for a variety of reasons. Some have bought into conspiracy theories, while others have been skeptical about the fast production of the vaccines and their safety. There are still others that have made the choice to not get the vaccines based on religious beliefs or fear. Science has shown that there is a requirement for a large percentage of people to be vaccinated against a virus to achieve the “threshold” to keep it from spreading. While initially there were larger numbers of people stating that they would refuse the COVID-19 vaccines, those numbers are now a lot less, and this is good news.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Has Changed?</h2>



<p>The initial onslaught of COVID-19 took months to come to fruition for the general public. Once most of the rest of the world was reporting that we indeed had a pandemic there were some that chose paths that were designed to undermine the message. Some countries, including the U.S., politicized COVID-19 to include everything from misinformation and denial to conspiracy theories. Even as hospitals were filling up with pandemic patients and the death toll kept increasing, this same segment refused to acknowledge that COVID-19 existed at all. Still others were intent on trying to convince everyone that “herd immunity” would take care of the pandemic naturally. And while that is indeed the case, history has shown us that this form of herd immunity in past pandemics resulted in the deaths of everywhere from ¼ to 50% of the population. Scientists and the medical community were combating COVID-19 on two fronts: those getting infected and those believing misinformation. During this time period the death tolls continue to increase and to add to the confusion, some U.S. states were skewing the reports of deaths and pandemic infections to show less than what was really occurring. The average individual was having a lot problems piercing the bubble of misinformation, making them less likely to agree to any vaccine. As pharmaceutical companies continued to press on, finally releasing vaccines, the percentage of those interested in getting them gradually began to increase. Reports from other countries regarding vaccine success contributed to the adoption of more agreeing to take the vaccine. Additional vaccine educational information has seemed to have some help. The information and data being released on the new methods of vaccine development as well as how each vaccine functions with the body has given credence to assist in lifting the mystery and misinformation. Additional work has been done with the help of community leaders and even celebrities to encourage people of color as well as medically under-served communities to educate and encourage getting vaccines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Achieving Vaccine Success</h2>



<p>To achieve vaccine herd immunity a large percentage of a population must be immunized. The smaller the number that reject vaccines the greater the ability to fight COVID-19. A KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor survey of U.S. adults over a 3-month period in Feb. 2021 showed that 57% of adults in the survey indicated that they had received at least one vaccine dose or had plans to be vaccinated as soon as it was available to them. Those that had stated that they wanted to wait-and-see had been shrinking on a continual basis and the survey listed them at a change from 39% down to 22%. Those indicating that they didn’t want a vaccination was down to 15%, with another 7% indicating they would only get a vaccine if it was a work requirement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COVID-19 Survivor Health Problems</h2>



<p>Another issue that may be pushing the success of vaccines are some of the latest research regarding long term health problems for those that have survived COVID-19. As with any pandemic virus the medical community needs to be able to examine long term effects and causes that happen from the virus. Scientists have been following those that have had COVID-19 and then survived to now report that survivors may end up with lifelong health problems. Various studies are showing organ damage in groups of all ages. Most recently, a study published in the European Heart Journal involving 148 patients showed that 50% of the patients had elevated troponin levels which is indicative of lasting heart damage, including infarction, myocarditis, ischemia, and a combination of all three. Additional problems for COVID-19 survivors are the long-term health problems with lungs creating lifelong breathing problems and in the brain. Patients of all ages that experienced COVID-19 have had conditions showing up that can cause seizures, strokes, and Guillain-Barre syndrome that causes temporary paralysis. These patients have an increased risk of developing both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The COVID-19 virus can create a situation where blood cells are more likely to form clots by clumping up. Blood clots can affect the liver, legs, kidneys, and lungs. Blood vessels are weakened by COVID-19 and this can allow them to leak, creating kidney and liver problems.Given everything that science is learning about COVID-19 it is good news to see that there are fewer that are rejecting the vaccines.</p>


Number of People Skipping COVID-19 Vaccines Continues to Decline


<p>Businesses and organizations around the country have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic in ways that have not been completely measured. While many quickly altered the methods of doing business with off-premise or remote staff, this situation cannot remain at the 100% level for long. From logistics to network security, many people need to be doing their jobs in-person. GenePace is a premier laboratory that was founded by a team of experienced diagnostic executives, innovators lab operators and physicians, and is coordinating with employers and employees to accommodate patient care testing needs. The GenePace “Return to Life” philosophy offers services that can help employees and support staff return to work with a feeling of safety and security. COVID-19 testing is a critical step in promoting protection against the pandemic. While more people are getting the vaccines, it will be a longer process. GenePace Laboratories works with employers to create a strategy of return to work that complies with both CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommendations. The flexible GenePace programs offers a sense of peace of mind in daily testing to ensure that the workplace returns to more of a state of normal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Telework and In-Person Work</h2>



<p>OSHA recommends that initial strategies for businesses include a combination of telework and in-person work. For those that can successfully perform their duties, telework with as needed internet conference meetings can be the most beneficial. For staffers that will return to work there is a demand for daily COVID-19 testing with quarantined requirements for those that test positive.In-person work should require the same CDC recommended guidelines for wearing masks, social distancing, limiting group meetings, and hygienic cleansing. GenePace is coordinating with many companies to assist in setting up testing procedures and counseling for changes within the office environment to ensure safety for all workers. Any changes in the condition of the COVID-19 status of a company where there is an outbreak should involve alternate plans to return to telework for the safety of all staff. The GenePace fast results testing can help to deter such an outbreak and assist management in their strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How GenePace Helps Employers and Employees</h2>



<p>Part of the specialty services offered by GenePace includes collection and a test administration group that can scale up to tens of thousands of daily collections regionally. GenePace also offers a unique “on call” concierge service in the metro Indianapolis area. The GenePace team can work with employers for a specific location or on-site testing with same day results.The GenePace clinical and physician teams are assisting organizations to create COVID-19 strategies and programs including administration and collection, as well as vetted PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) and testing product needs.For businesses that are heading to the return-to-work concept, GenePace can coordinate a specified location for employees to get tested for COVID-19 with same day results. GenePace acts as a consultant service to advise employers for hygiene station setups, sterilization of surfaces, and guidance in social distancing practices within their workplace environment. A key segment of the strategy of a company that is seeking a return-to-work condition is the constant assessment of all job categories and tasks performed for the determination of which jobs may cause occupational exposure. Such a strategy can involve examining the potential danger of those employees that have exposure to members of the public or a potential personal community outbreak. To get people back to work GenePace encourages continued monitoring and protection status of all staff members.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Implementing COVID-19 Safety Protocols</h2>



<p>Return to work means that work will also be a bit different. Implementation of programs such as social distancing will require establishing the rules for each company. Beyond mask requirements and consistent hygiene, there must be standards set for limiting the number of employees and/or clients that can be allowed in an area to accommodate social distancing. Floors must be demarcated to represent the six-feet-zone areas in locations where any group normally congregates. This demarcation should include time clock areas, conference rooms, kitchens, rest rooms, check-out lines, etc. Even after a year or so of COVID-19, these conditions are not normal to many so signs will need to be posted as reminders for the six foot rule of social distancing and washing hands/using hand sterilizing. When necessary, directional signs might be needed when the corridor or hall widths are more restrictive. A critical area of a back-to-work strategy will be in the creation of a protocol for managing staff that become ill in the workplace. Management should have a list of actions to be taken in the case of an employee that has tested positive for COVID-19 while at the workplace including isolation and sterilization of all areas where the staffer worked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Workplace COVID-19 Testing Helps Keep Everyone Safe</h2>



<p>Experts have said that COVID-19 will remain in the world for a few years however, with safety protocols recommended by both the CDC and OSHA, consistent testing with same day results, and more people receiving the vaccines, there are ways to return to work and get businesses back on their feet. GenePace is committed to participating with employers to get this done. GenePace deploys new technologies for extremely rapid and responsive PCR and Molecular testing. As partners with Butler University, GenePace is an emerging leader involved in the testing process, blending education with practical leadership experience. GenePace knows that none of us have ever experienced a pandemic and scientific information and data is changing every day. The priority of developing strategies to encourage COVID-19 testing is important to assist in maintaining a level of confidence and safety.</p>


Beating COVID-19 and Getting Our Workplace Back to Normal Safely


<p>COVID-19 brought the enjoyment of going to sports and entertainment events to a screeching halt. The virus has not only affected fans and attendees but it has caused financial problems for the industries that they support. However, there is hope on the horizon. With more people getting the vaccines and companies such as GenePace working with organizers to supply same day testing, the possibilities are increasing to see your favorite team or performer. Experts have estimated that COVID-19 will be part of our global existence for a number of years. As a society we are slowly facing the idea that to protect ourselves and our families, we cannot return to any former state of normal, but instead, create a new one. The world has quickly adapted to the idea of wearing masks, extra hygiene, and social distancing, and now we will become used to COVID-19 testing as part of the process.GenePace is a premier lab that works with Collegiate and Professional sports leagues, event operators, employers, teams, and clubs to help safely get players competing and fans in the stands. The goal at GenePace is to help everyone “Return to Normal,” and we bring onsite testing support so that people can begin enjoying themselves in a secure way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Indoor and Outdoor Venues</h2>



<p>Whenever a large crowd gathers at a sports or entertainment event there is usually a lot of yelling and singing. If precautions aren’t taken these situations can quickly act as super spreaders. To avoid these conditions some event organizers are creating specific strategies to encourage attendees and the teams and celebrities that they love.Safety involves education: The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) states:</p>



<ul><li>The closer you are to other people who may be infected, the greater your risk of getting sick.</li><li>Spending more time with people who may be infected increases your risk of becoming infected.</li><li>Spending more time with people increases their risk of becoming infected if there is any chance that you may already be infected.</li><li>Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces where it might be harder to keep people apart and there’s less ventilation. Indoor areas with good ventilation are better, and outdoor areas are best. Thus, consider that COVID-19 spread is most likely when individuals are in prolonged close contact in an indoor area with poor ventilation, which has implications for both indoor sport training and sport competition planning.</li></ul>



<p>Event coordinators are currently planning on allowing limited capacity attendance with the requirements of social distancing. The strategies are to begin slowly with 30% attendance for outdoor events and 25% attendance for indoor events. This means that for an outdoor arena that can hold 35,000 fans, they will allow 10, 500 fans. All fans and staff will be required to wear masks and social distance, with seating at the 6-feet-apart ruling. There are additional guidelines regarding members of the same family established as “seating pods” with only six people per pod. Additional plans include hygiene stations for fans and staff to use as well as same day testing for all support staff and team members. Some outdoor amusement parks have opened their doors with limited attendance and do require the same CDC recommended guidelines for wearing masks and social distancing. In addition, the parks arrange daily COVID-19 testing for staff and support personnel. Venues of all types have instituted new processes of hygienic cleansing of outside surfaces to help to deter the spread of the virus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coordinating Testing</h2>



<p>GenePace deploys new technologies for extremely rapid and responsive PCR and Molecular testing. As partners with Butler University, GenePace is an emerging leader involved in the testing process, blending education with practical leadership experience. GenePace knows that none of us have ever experienced a pandemic and scientific information and data is changing every day. The priority of developing strategies to encourage COVID-19 testing is important to assist in maintaining a level of confidence and safety.Part of the specialty services offered by GenePac includes collection and a test administration group that can scale up to tens of thousands of daily collections regionally. GenePace also offers a unique “on call” concierge service in the metro Indianapolis area.The GenePace clinical and physician teams are assisting organizations to create COVID-19 strategies and programs including administration and collection, as well as vetted PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) and testing product needs. A Return-to-Life philosophy involves everyone working together for the safety of all. Even with many getting the vaccines we will be facing the requirement of COVID-19 testing to ensure that there aren’t any infection spikes due to variants. GenePace has designed programs to correspond with any changes that are recommended by the CDC and bring flexibility to those that work with our various testing, lab and medical professional services We want to bring concepts of hope and encourage joy in everyone’s lives but balanced with the safety measures that all must take.</p>


The Challenge of Attending Sports & Entertainment Venues in the Age of COVID-19


<p>Anyone that has worked in either Science or technology knows that the more data that you have the closer the experts can come to offering truth in analysis. This same concept stands with the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world continues to learn about the virus we are seeing that it performs as many viruses do: infection, transmission, and eventually mutation. We are already seeing a variety of variants showing up in many countries and if we are to try to focus on reopening out schools with in-person learning, we need to study the constant stream of data from all sources. One of the key aspects of the statistics has been on COVID-19 testing. This single area of study has allowed medical professionals to accomplish quarantining/isolation and to track the transmission so that it reduces additional infection cases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Initial Information Based on Initial Safety Protocols</h2>



<p>The first groups of data that were being shared from K-12 schools that remained open were based on the initial safety protocols given by the healthcare professionals. These protocols focused on wearing masks, hand sanitizing, social distancing, and reducing class sizes. Little was offered in the way of COVID-19 testing in the school environments and those that did get tested were usually individuals that experienced COVID-19 symptoms and were tested off-premise. School systems that insisted on remaining open during the pandemic were often told to get any testing by coordinating with local public health departments and few schools even had any strategy for COVID-19 outside of sending any symptomatic student or staff member to an outside location. There were even some states that were discouraging COVID-19 testing of students. The statistics gained from these initial responses were slightly helpful but offered little in the way of answers for a broader group of those that were asymptomatic and transmitting the COVID-19 virus. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has estimated that about 40% of the cases of COVID-19 are asymptomatic with 50% of the transmission of the virus happening from individuals that are asymptomatic. These results did little to help to encourage students and staff to be in an in-person school environment or to reopen those schools that had opted to close during the pandemic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Challenges Getting Testing in Schools</h2>



<p>There were a series of initial challenges involved in trying to get COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools.</p>



<ul><li>Access to testing in K-12 schools relied primarily on the public health departments or private contracting. The cost of testing for students reduced the ability for schools to gain testing kits for anyone other than those showing COVID-19 symptoms. These have since been reduced as the federal government has subsidized all COVID-19 testing, no matter what the insurance condition.</li><li>The time that it took for the initial COVID-19 test results ranged from 2-5 days. In the meantime, the individual tested could be transmitting the virus or become infected. The demand for rapid tests became very apparent but access and wide distribution of the tests had not become available. A study model that was examined showed that COVID-19 testing that offered same-day results prevented 80% of new transmissions, whereas the COVID-19 testing that required the 2-5 day waiting period only stopped 5%.</li><li>Racial and socioeconomic disparities in schools within communities also played an increased role in lack of testing access. Additional problems exist with low-income households and families that have children with special health needs. All of these individuals became part of the high-risk categories for getting and spreading COVID-19.</li><li>One of the biggest hurdles to overcome for K-12 schools involves the legalities of the timely reporting of test results for COVID-19 tests given in the school environment. Labs could not legally disclose the results without parental authorization. Although schools were allowed to counsel parents and receive the authorization, this took far too long and were often not part of any plan developed by schools as a COVID-19 strategy.</li><li>Responses for positive COVID-19 test results were also quite confusing. In some cases the results of tests might incorporate both negative and positive results that involved additional testing to gain a correct answer. K-12 schools had few, if any plans, except to quarantine those that tested positive. Remote learning procedures were slow in the beginning but did become more highly used as schools across the country closed down.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reopening Schools Depends on Testing</h2>



<p>Local, state, and federal officials became acutely aware that COVID-19 testing is the key priority to reopening schools. Experts have made recommendations that rapid tests for the virus be supplied as one of the highest ranking items in the COVID-19 emergency package for schools, along with the resources of nurses and healthcare professionals to give the tests. While the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has advised that each community design COVID-19 strategies that fit their schools and communities, there should be specific strategies included by the federal government for schools so that there is equitable distribution to all K-12 schools. As more schools receive funding from the Americans Rescue Plan Act of 2021, part of the strategy that is being recommended is to incorporate the use of COVID-19 rapid testing within the schools. The data has already shown that rapid tests offer improvements in reducing the transmission of the virus, especially when given to both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Moving forward, schools must place a priority in obtaining authorization from parents/caregivers to share the data with state and federal organizations so that they can continue to track the virus and the success of both testing and vaccines in reducing the pandemic in the country.</p>


Statistics and Data on COVID-19 in Schools: Testing is a Priority


<p>The schools in our nation are around 45% funded by local and state taxes, with the federal government funding the balance. However, the pandemic has stretched budgets in all areas to the breaking point, with little left to devote to the safe re-opening of schools. There is no doubt that the changes made within the school systems to accommodate for the COVID-19 virus will be costly. Implementation of such things as proper ventilation, masks, desk separation and/or plexiglass for desks for social distancing, hand sanitizers, and testing have a price tag that most local and state governments simply cannot meet. However, there is hope. The latest COVID-19 stimulus package introduced by President Biden’s administration has set aside $130 billion for K-12 schools around the country in The American Rescues Plan Act of 2021. This has been heralded as the largest single investment by the federal government in the school system in history. The funds devoted to the school systems cover a variety of needs that include attempts to make sure that the school environments are safe but to also try to offer programs that address catching up on lost education as well as mental health conditions caused by isolation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Schools are Facing</h2>



<p>In-person attendance for K-12 classes can only be done if the environment within the schools are considered to be safe. The changes that are needed in schools can include a revamp of HVAC systems for proper ventilation, PPS (personal protective equipment), additional custodial staff, more transportation, enhanced nursing/health stations with more personnel, COVID-19 testing kits, masks, and the development of a complete COVID-19 strategy that compliments the current local, state, territorial, tribal, and state regulations. Schools have historically shown:</p>



<ul><li>One quarter have never had a part-time or full-time nurse present.</li><li>A majority of schools have been lacking in counseling support.</li><li>Don’t have the staff or portable classrooms to reduce the sizes of classes.</li><li>Have been stretched for a need for more teachers and teachers aides.</li></ul>



<p>The new stimulus bill has established a number of elements to address the needs of children, teachers, staff, and entire school systems for the return of children to K-12 school in a safe environment, catch up on the loss of learning with specific programs, meet the needs of those children that have been underserved or lacked the ability to have online learning, and assistance for those that have experienced mental health issues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Additional School Testing Help Offered by the Rockefeller Foundation</h2>



<p>There is no doubting that a return to in-person education for K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic is a daunting task. The latest stimulus package approved by President Biden will bring long needed help to many school systems but there is additional help being offered for COVID-19 testing by The Rockefeller Foundation. In response to an urgent need to disseminate lessons learned so far about the use of COVID19 testing to help facilitate safe school reopening, and as part of a portfolio of work to guide and support testing in K-12 settings, The Rockefeller Foundation supported RAND to:</p>



<ol><li>Describe the landscape of COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools during the 2020 fall semester and characterize the variety of testing programs that early adopters put in place;</li><li>Identify implementation insights from those early adopters; and</li><li>Offer recommendations on how to make widespread COVID-19 testing in schools feasible, acceptable, and effective.</li></ol>



<p>In addition to the initial program to offer testing kits to K-12 schools, the Rockefeller Foundation has used the information found to create a “playbook” that can be used by schools as a guideline for testing. Entitled “Covid-19 Testing in K-12 Settings A Playbook for Educators and Leaders.” the playbook “is designed to offer detailed, step-by step guidance to help educators, leaders, and their public health partners put testing recommendations into action.” School systems around the country have never been put in a situation that required student and staff testing of any kind. The playbook that has been created by The Rockefeller Foundation has been crafted to help educators understand the importance of testing and establish critical guidelines within their schools for COVID-19 test protocols. Their playbook includes step-by-step instructions on the way to establish COVID-19 testing rules, develop routine screening testing programs, and understand the importance of testing for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Reassuring staff, students, and parents/caregivers on the safety of returning to school involves having all of the information and equipment needed to accomplish safety for all. The playbook includes detailed information for schools to lay the groundwork by establishing a testing task force, gaining all of the appropriate healthcare professionals and equipment, launching a school testing program, monitoring and evaluating the testing progress and results. When used in conjunction with the funds that will be allocated with the recent Americans Rescue Plan Act of 2021, school systems will be able to use the science of COVID-19 testing to assist in assuring the reduction of the spread of the virus and school environments that offer more protection for students and staff.</p>


2021 Stimulus Bill Includes Expanding COVID-19 Testing in Schools


<p>Children across the country have been suffering a variety of losses due to the pandemic. From social interaction to education, COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on kid’s lives and potential futures. Returning children to school before the pandemic is under control or a majority of the country has been vaccinated is a frightening condition. However, there are some steps that can be taken to assist in ensuring safety and health for kids and all that are around them. The priority to keep COVID-19 from spreading in a school environment involves testing children for the virus and a full pandemic strategy in place. While the world may have had pandemics throughout history, we are benefiting from a high level of technology and instant communication that gives us an edge in fighting COVID-19. With scientists around the globe working together and fast vaccine productions, we can coordinate to reduce the number of people infected and eventually get the virus to a point of control.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Adding Considerations to Current Guidelines</h2>



<p>Making decisions for change to accommodate the COVID-19 virus in a school environment should be an addition to existing federal, state, territorial, tribal, or local safety, privacy, or health laws, policies, rules or regulations under which schools operate. Changes, including testing, should be customized for the needs of each community and school system that operates within it. It should be noted that while funds have been allocated in the 2021 COVID Relief Bill, the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) doesn’t have any authority to regulate testing but is available to help public health officials as they create strategies for K-12 testing and environmental changes to assist in the reduction of the spread of COVID-19 in the school environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Testing as Part of a Full Strategy</h2>



<p>COVID-19 testing in schools is designed to be just part of an overall strategy to protect students, teachers, families, and staff from the spread of the virus. There are a number of COVID-19 tests now available that can be used for screening, diagnosis, or surveillance for the reduction of an outbreak. Testing compliments a comprehensive strategy that is used to promote additional methods to protect against COVID-19 spread including but not limited to: wearing masks, hand washing, disinfectant wipes/liquids, social distancing, and proper ventilation, and immediate/fast actions to be taken when anyone becomes sick. A strategy should include notification of public health officials if/when a COVID-19 outbreak happens so that administrators can work with health officials for additionally scaled testing to assist in contact tracing and identify those that may have to be isolated or quarantined. School administrations should work with state and local public health officials to make decisions on the methods of COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools that are operated by the federal government and include help from the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) for COVID-19 testing offered to staff, students, faculty, and all that are employed by the K-12 school. The U.S. Department of Education can offer guidance to K-12 school administration for compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) as it applies to students for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COVID-19 Testing Information</h2>



<p>There are currently three types of tests that are given for COVID-19. Molecular tests, also known as “PCR tests,” designed to detect whether there is active COVID-19 virus infection, Antigen tests designed to detect a particular protein associated with COVID-19, and an Antibody test designed to detect specific antibodies that have been created in the body due to infection from COVID-19. It’s important to know the purpose of each test so that appropriate result actions can be taken.</p>



<ul><li><strong>Molecular test:</strong> Also called the PCR test is used as a diagnosis for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is typically taken with a nasal swab or Nasopharyngeal from part of the throat that is located behind the nose. This type of test is highly accurate. Testing results using the new fast tests can occur within minutes from the test being given.</li><li><strong>Antigen Test:</strong> Also used for diagnostic purposes, it is usually taken via Nasopharyngeal or nasal swab. While a highly accurate test, there is the possibility of false positives, especially in areas where there have been very few confirmed COVID-19 cases. Both negative and positive results may require a molecular test to confirm.</li><li><strong>Antibody Test:</strong> Also called the serological test, serology test, or blood test, it is usually accomplished by drawing blood or through a finger stick. Although accurate, it may require a second antibody test if the individual has been around many that have been diagnosed with COVID-19 for total accuracy. Original tests required from 1-3 days for results, however, new tests can offer results within minutes.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Can Give COVID-19 Tests?</h2>



<p>In a K-12 school environment there are often school nurses assigned to each school. COVID-19 has altered the requirements as some schools may have enhanced their healthcare facilities to include additional qualified staff as a safety precaution. According to the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) there are a variety of healthcare professionals that can give the COVID-19 tests. As technology improves those qualified may expand. For swab-style tests, many types of healthcare providers that are trained may give the COVID-19 test. For Antibody tests that require drawing blood, only those with phlebotomy training can accommodate this type of test.</p>


COVID-19 Testing Updates for K-12 School Educators and Students


<p>Families across the nation have been undergoing changes due to the pandemic that have cost jobs, income, basic needs, and the education of their children. Returning children to school without the confirmation of a majority of the country having received vaccines places them and their families at risk for being infected with and spreading the virus. Additional funds have been made available with the latest 2021 stimulus package approved by the U.S. government to encourage a return to school for K-12 grades and fund a variety of safety and health protocols for the COVID-19 prevention and testing. However, there are a number of challenges involved in both the virus symptoms that children experience and the testing itself. Identifying the differences between COVID-19 symptoms and infection in adults versus children is a method to attempt to meet the testing challenges that school systems face during the pandemic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COVID-19 in Kids</h2>



<p>A majority of the information that has been shared in the media and the medical community has related to the symptoms and infections of COVID-19 in adults. This data varies greatly when it comes to children. Reports both globally and in the U.S. for childhood cases of COVID-19 in children ages 0-17 years have been very low and hospitalization of children have been low. Due to varying symptoms and less testing, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has indicated that the real number of SARS-CoV-2 incidents in children are not known, however, those that have been reported have seen an increase since March, 2020. Research has shown that children are likely to have similar viral infection loads within their nasopharynx and have the ability to spread COVID-19 to others. It’s believed that the closing of a majority of the schools in the U.S. reduced the virus transmission in Spring and Summer of 2020. Comparison of COVID-19 infections due to the return of children in in-person school, child care, sports activities for youths, and other childhood activities may explain infections and transmissions of the virus. Studies are showing that children may experience many of the same symptoms as adults or just a few symptoms of COVID-19. In some cases, the symptoms have been less severe, with the most common being a higher fever and a cough. A recent review reported by the CDC indicated that around 16% of children that had COVID-19 are asymptomatic with additional evidence showing the possibility of half of the pediatric infections being asymptomatic. The challenge of diagnosing children is that the symptoms that they often have emulate those of other infectious as well as noninfectious conditions such as the flu, allergic rhinitis, and streptococcal pharyngitis. All of these situations contribute to the difficulty in making attempts to test children K-12 as they return to in-person school environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COVID-19 Symptoms in Children</h2>



<p>While SARS-CoV-2 virus incubation in children is the same 2-14 day time period as adults, symptoms or signs of COVID-19 in kids can include some, all, or a combination of the following:</p>



<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Tiredness</li><li>Cough</li><li>Myalgia</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath</li><li>Rhinorrhea/nasal congestion</li><li>A loss of smell or taste</li><li>Reduced appetite or feeding</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Vomiting and/or nausea</li><li>Abdominal pain</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">School COVID-19 Testing and Follow up Isolation</h2>



<p>As school systems attempt to reopen for in-person class attendance, both children and teachers and staff must be protected against COVID-19 transmission. The challenges that each school system faces is to also attempt to comply with existing state, federal, tribal, territorial and local safety, privacy and health regulations that schools operate as a standard. School administrations are being asked to establish a strategy that operates within all of the regular policies and to include actions that need to be taken for testing and isolation procedures when an individual student or adult has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations for testing include the antigen (viral) test for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 diagnoses. These tests are the same for both children and adults. The CDC has created a list of recommended guidelines that school systems, parents and caregivers can use for COVID-19 testing, isolation and quarantining of children. The prioritization of COVID-19 testing for K-12 children should be done if the child has any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 and:</p>



<ul><li>They have been within 6 ft (close contact) for fifteen minutes or more of anyone that has been laboratory/test confirmed of having COVID-19 or:</li><li>Has an increase of likelihood of exposure to COVID-19 (lives in or with or traveled to an area/community that had a higher transmission rate as defined by the CDC’s Community Mitigation Framework and by the local public health department.</li></ul>



<p>Has not experienced any symptoms but:</p>



<ul><li>They have been within 6 ft (close contact) for fifteen minutes or more of anyone that has been laboratory/test confirmed of having COVID-19.</li></ul>



<p>While it is understood that any child with infectious disease symptoms should not attend school, the duration of time that they stay away is dependent upon the severity of the illness. For those that have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, the CDC has established the recommendation for discontinuation of home isolation that include being able to be around others after:</p>



<ul><li>Ten days since symptoms first began to appear and:</li><li>24 hours with an absence of fever without the use of medications that reduce fever and:</li><li>Improvement of other COVID-19 symptoms with the understanding that loss of smell and taste could continue for weeks or sometimes months after recovery and should not postpone isolation termination.</li></ul>



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The Challenges of Testing K-12 Kids in School


<p>During the COVID-19 pandemic there have been some that have tossed around the term “herd immunity” without really understanding what it is. In reality, herd immunity as it relates to disease states simply means that a large enough percentage of the population has achieved the antibodies to that disease so that it can no longer spread. Achieving the number of people that is large enough to stop the spread of the disease is called the “threshold.” There are two ways to achieve herd immunity: through widespread vaccinations or by the population getting the disease. When it comes to pandemics, the latter is not the best choice. Waiting for a pandemic to circulate through a population can take years while people are sick and dying.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Herd Immunity of Past Pandemics</h2>



<p>The Black Death is one of the most infamous of pandemics. From 1346-1353 the plague spread throughout Europe. Contagions occurred so quickly that people had little time to recognize that their friends and family had the disease before they were dead. Citizens in many countries could do little but carry that massive quantities of bodies to large pits for burial. By the time the Black Death was finished it had killed 60% of the population of Europe or over 50 million people.The Spanish Flu is occurred in the years of 1918-1919 and was part of the H1N1 virus. The mortality rate was highest in a variety of age groups: Under 5 yrs., 20-40 yrs., and over 65 years. Just as with the Black Death, there were no antibiotics or vaccines, and the world was also in the middle of World War I. The war meant that more people were traveling to a variety of countries, spreading the virus faster than any that had previously infected human beings. The only methods of treatment that were known involved non-pharmaceutical interventions such as quarantining, isolation, limiting gatherings, wearing masks, and good hygiene. However, none of these were enough because not all people complied with the restrictions. By the time the Spanish Flu ended, one-third of the population of the world or 500 million people had died. Herd immunity of COVID-19 through natural processes, even with antibiotics, will result in millions of death around the globe. Given the political climate of the topic of COVID-19, it has already been seen that as long as people don’t believe in its existence or refuse to quarantine, wear masks, or social distance, even today’s society has behavior that would continue to spread the virus.In addition to the large percentage of deaths in the population, research involving COVID-19 is finding that around 50% of thepeople that have had the virus and survived are also showing long term/life long problems involving major organs, specifically heart problems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Herd Immunity Through Vaccines</h2>



<p>In comparing the two methods of gaining immunity it becomes obvious that allowing the deaths of large percentages of the population to achieve the antibodies to fight off a virus isn’t a good choice. Natural methods required the deaths of millions of people in order to meet a herd immunity “threshold.” Today’s science has allowed us to make medical achievements of vaccinations that can save lives. The pharmaceutical companies now have the ability to create vaccines that can give the body the opportunity to create antibodies without illness or death. Vaccines have been successful for many of the diseases that are contagious such as polio, rubella, smallpox, diphtheria and others. The original vaccines used a dormant version of the virus and introduced it into the body in the form of an injection. The body’s reaction to the dormant version was to recognize it as a foreign attacker and allow the immune system to kick in and develop antibodies to fight off that particular virus. The more people that received the vaccine, the higher the number in hitting the goal of vaccine-related herd immunity threshold. Pharmaceutical companies have advanced in the methods of creating vaccines so that each one has a different way to target the specific virus. The newer vaccine designs allow for faster production to get a higher volume of the vaccine out to the public. There are some individuals that object to vaccines based on reasons that run the gamut from religious, skepticism, and fear. If the percent of these people is large enough they can tip the scales for herd immunity threshold, allowing the disease to continue to spread. An example of this has been in the recent resurgence of measles in some parts of the world, including the U.S. where the vaccination rates for measles were reduced.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virus Variants</h2>



<p>Viruses have survived through the millennia due to their ability to evolve and change. When the number of hosts for infection becomes too low, they alter themselves into a variant. We are seeing this happen with COVID-19 as new variants are appearing in a few countries and areas. Thus far, the current vaccines that have been developed have been able to combat the variants, but this might not always be the case. To address the possibility of newer and stronger COVID-19 variants pharmaceutical companies are already researching and developing the vaccine “boosters” that may be required to supersede the variants. Some form of COVID-19 will be around for a long time and based on history, the only safe way to achieve herd immunity for the world’s population is to address it with vaccines.</p>


News and Updates

News and updates regarding COVID-19 and lab testing