Brookline Eyes State COVID-19 Pool Testing

BROOKLINE, MA — The state's recent announcement of a COVID-19 pool testing program comes as Brookline Public Schools is set to implement its own free testing program for staff, but district officials say they are interested in participating in the state testing, too.

"Our intention is to fill out that survey and indicate our interest," said Interim Superintendent Jim Marini. "And to implement it if it makes sense."

Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday said Massachusetts will provide pool testing for all schools in support of the state's long-held stance that more children need to be learning in class. The state will pay for the first six or so weeks of the program.

Although voluntary testing for staff begins this week, it could be weeks before the state program rolls out, but the state program could pick up when Brookline's own temporary testing comes to an end, Marini said.

Read more: Brookline Schools To Offer Free COVID-19 Surveillance Testing ...

The Brookline schools official said he expected the town would participate in the state's free six-week program, and then reassess. The announcement came as a surprise to most. An online information session is set for Tuesday, and Brookline plans to attend, Marini said.

The news comes as the district announced it was pausing winter school sports after an outbreak of the coronavirus prompted the high school hockey team members to go into quarantine.

That decision will be reviewed near the end of the month, Marini said.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association, meanwhile, said they were happy about the testing.

"This is a tremendous victory for educators and families across the state," association President Merrie Najimy said in a statement, adding schools still needed to ensure low school and community transmission rates, adequate ventilation systems, requirements and plan for onsite vaccination programs.

Previously:

MA Launching Coronavirus Testing Program For Schools ...

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.