East Providence Schools Launch Asymptomatic Coronavirus Testing

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — East Providence School District is now offering asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for students and employees, said Superintendent Kathryn Crowley in a video announcement Thursday.

The BinaxNOW rapid testing began Monday and is completely voluntary, said Crowley. Permission slips have been sent out to all district families and must be filled out and returned by those who wish to participate.

Each school principal will be sending a date and time for testing to families this week and students who participate will have the option to be tested during school hours or in the evening with their parents. Anyone over the age of 12 can swab themselves and anyone under the age of 12 will have a nurse swabbing them.

Test results will be read by a health professional 15 minutes after testing, said Crowley. If a positive case is detected, the child's family will be contacted by the school immediately.

For more information about the COVID-19 testing initiative at East Providence schools, visit the district's website.