Orgs. call for mandatory COVID-19 testing in all Delaware public schools

DELAWARE – S.A.F.E. Schools and the ACLU of Delaware are calling on Governor John Carney, education, and health officials to mandate COVID-19 testing and bolster contact tracing for ALL public schools. Co-chair of S.A.F.E. Schools Shannon Griffin says since the public testing efforts in Delaware have been so successful, it only makes sense to extend that into school systems. “Having a plan in place with how you’re going to identify, isolate, and mitigate further spread is absolutely critical. There’s no better place to do that than at schools where the students are,” said Griffin.

S.A.F.E. Schools co-chair Sarah Green says this effort is especially important for marginalized communities that are home to low-income students, students with disabilities, and students of color. “If we’re looking at keeping schools open, the kids that need it the most are already behind. They’re the ones that are a victim of a system that’s not working,” said Green.

Executive Director of the ACLU of Delaware Mike Brickner says that not only would this effort keep those communities healthier and safer. It would also help protect Delawareans as a whole. “I think it is important that we are taking preventative measures to ensure that our numbers here in Delaware don’t start moving in the other direction,” said Brickner.

The Delaware Department of Public Health says that while testing is not mandatory in all schools, they have worked closely with many school districts to offer multiple testing options. In a statement, they tell 47ABC “Testing is a part of the overall mitigation strategy, but we want to strongly emphasize the importance of continued vigilance with infection control measures both within, as well as outside of, schools.”

The DPH went on to say “Testing is just one tool to help prevent further transmission of the virus from positive cases by employing isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing after results are received.” The DPH also says they want people to remember that those exposed to COVID-19 before testing are still at risk of developing and spreading the virus. They add that testing is not the only important part of the fight against COVID-19. It also includes social distancing, wearing a mask, and personal hygiene.