In an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the US Department of Health and Senior Services is providing, for use in public schools and other entities, Abbott BinaxNow rapid antigen tests. These tests were sent to state governors for distribution, and in Missouri, dissemination to public schools is being organized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, (DESE) has been organizing the dissemination of the Antigen Tests and Camdenton R-III Schools has been approved to receive and administer them to staff members who are experiencing symptoms and request to be tested. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has approved nursing staff in the Camdenton Schools to administer these tests only to staff members who request it.

As we continue to fight COVID-19 in our school district, these rapid tests will be another way for school staff to proactively reduce the spread of the virus. It is important to note that these rapid Antigen tests WILL NOT be required and will only be administered to a staff member when requested by the staff member through verbal and written consent.

Camdenton R-III continues to require staff to self-check for symptoms and stay home if feeling ill. However, should a staff member become sick while at school, they may request the nurse administer the antigen test to them. They will be required to sign a consent allowing administration of the BinaxNow rapid antigen test. Within fifteen minutes, the results will be available.

 

Additional information may be found below: