A return to normalcy seems to be in the works in the largest school system in Virginia, as on April 22, Fairfax County Public Schools is trimming some of its COVID-19 testing strategies, such as dropping optional screenings and drive-thru tests.
According to WTOP, the county is citing the low level of community COVID-19 spread from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the high number of vaccination rates, with more than 70% of all Fairfax Health Districts residents have been fully vaccinated, along with more than 90% of students ages 12 to 17 and more than 50% of students ages 5 to 11.
Students who have symptoms of COVID-19 and need to get tested can still make use of the following resources:
- Testing at various sites throughout Fairfax County and the state.
- At-home test kits, which are provided on school grounds after the student leaves the CARE Room with symptoms of illness.
- Test-to-stay program for students who are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 during a declared outbreak. Parents/legal guardians have to provide consent for students to participate.
Hopefully, this is a sign that things in Virginia as starting to calm down, and other county in Virginia can follow their lead in bringing us back to a place that we can all recognize.