Test to Stay

  • Posted January 4, 2022
Test to Stay

Good Afternoon, 

Please note the following updates regarding Test to Stay and At Home COVID-19 Test Kits.

Test to Stay Update 

We have completed the development of the Test to Stay protocol for the Port Jervis City School District.  Our plan has been submitted to Orange County Department of Health and we are prepared to begin this protocol on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.  The following is a summary of the key points of Test to Stay: 

  • Vaccinated school-based close contacts are not subject to quarantine
  • Unvaccinated school-based close contacts may continue to attend school/report to work by following the Test to Stay protocol.  
    • This applies to students and school personnel
    • Participation is optional.  

Those electing to follow the Test to Stay protocol will:

  • Receive At Home Test Kits (4 tests)
  • Complete and submit a daily Attestation Form for the duration of the Test to Stay time frame (Up to seven (7) calendar days)
  • Complete up to three (3) At Home COVID-19 Tests on the required dates.
    • Dates will be provided by the Nurse or Building Administrator
    • Tests will be conducted at home prior to reporting to school/work.  School personnel will not administer the tests. 

All paperwork, test kits, and directions, including required testing intervals, will be provided on an individual basis, as applicable. 

*Those electing to quarantine will follow the established quarantine procedures per the NYS Department of Health.   

At Home COVID-19 Test Kits Update

Port Jervis City School District has received At Home COVID-19 Test Kits from the NYS Department of Health.  As stated by NYS Commissioner of Health Dr. Bassett, the goal of the test kits is to “achieve (the) mutual goal of keeping children in schools.”  Our District will utilize these test kits in the following manner: 

  • Test to Stay participants will receive two packages (4 test kits) to comply with the testing mandate.  
  • Quarantined unvaccinated close contacts that do not choose to participate in Test to Stay will receive one package (2 test kits) to allow for testing during quarantine prior to returning to school/work.

We will continue to monitor the progress of these protocols and make adjustments, as needed.  

Thank you for the continued support.  

Sincerely, 

Mike Rydell 
Superintendent of Schools