The district is currently working with Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management to first develop a plan for training, gather and train staff, and then begin testing as soon as possible. The testing would start with Longview ISD staff members, but would eventually include district students.
NO STUDENT WILL BE TESTED WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT. Forms will be provided and must be completed for each individual student.
The Division of Emergency Management will provide Longview ISD with the rapid antigen tests to administer to those who choose to participate. The district will also receive necessary personal protective equipment to administer the non-invasive procedure, which produces results in 15 minutes. Health experts have said accessible, rapid testing could help the state achieve substantive widespread COVID-19 testing, an elusive public health goal for Texas and much of the country.
John Wittman, a spokesperson for the governor, said the tests are part of the millions being provided to Texas by the federal government. The medical company producing the tests said the antigen tests require a non-invasive nasal swab and are about the size of a credit card.
Longview ISD remains in contact with state and local authorities as we move forward with this endeavor. We will continue to re-evaluate the state of the district on a daily basis, and any information released is subject to change.
For more information please check our website here: lisd.org/COVID