Waltham's PhysicianOne Urges Schools To Offer Pooled Testing

Waltham MA

24 August, 2021

4:44 PM

Description

WALTHAM, MA —PhysicianOne Urgent Care's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeannie Kenkareis is urging Waltham Public Schools (WPS) to offer pooled testing on a regular basis ahead of the upcoming school year. Although WPS participated in pooled testing last year, the district has not yet said whether it plans to bring back a similar testing strategy this year. At last week's special school committee meeting, Superintendent Brian Reagan said that updated information on school safety policies will be released soon. "Testing on a regular basis is another important precautionary measure in tracking the spread of COVID-19," said Kenkareis. "Last school year, Waltham Public Schools participated in pooled testing for students. I would encourage schools to bring this practice back, as it helps with tracking cases through the year." Last Monday, the Waltham School Committee unanimously passed a mask mandate for the upcoming school year. Although Kenkareis said she supports this requirement, she said it is not enough. "Masks are especially important as cases due to the delta variant continue to increase and a large population of children are not eligible to be vaccinated," said Kenkareis. "But masks aren't the only tool we have this school year to keep kids, teachers, parents and the broader community safe." For parents who don't want to wait for their schools to implement regular testing, resources are available at various clinics in the area, including PhysicianOne Urgent Care. Waltham Public Schools is set to host a virtual forum for families this week to facilitate further discussion on policies such as pooled testing and answer any existing questions. Updates to COVID-19 safety policies for the 2021-22 school year will be posted here.