Tuscaloosa school conducts first COVID tests under free federal program
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBMA) The Capitol School is the first school in Alabama to participate in "Operation Expanded Testing." It's a program supported and funded by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services that offers free weekly COVID-19 testing to everyone at the school.
Parents had the option of signing their student up. The first COVID-19 PCR tests were given at the school Thursday to more than 100 people.
"I think it's so much safer. we are here outdoors, we're all masked all of our children wear mask down to 2 years old and if you're exposed the CDC says you need to be tested within three to five days, well we'll be able to do it here, it's just one more safety measure for our children," said Barbara Rountree, Capitol School Director.
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Rountree says the weekly testing is just one way The Capitol School works to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The school also requires face coverings and vaccinations for those eligible.
Since school started three weeks ago, four people have tested positive for COVID-19.
