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South Carolina Schools Receiving Rapid COVID-19 Tests

Schools across the state of South Carolina will soon have access to rapid COVID-19 tests.

A recent executive order issued by Governor Henry McMaster is requiring DHEC to provide South Carolina schools with rapid COVID-19 tests. As a part of the executive order, more than 1.5 million tests will be delivered to schools.

The rapid antigen test provides results in as little as 15 minutes. However, the test is only meant for staff members or students who are experiencing symptoms related to the coronavirus.

“Particularly for staff, it will be a very useful tool. If a student goes home, it doesn’t necessarily impact the entire school environment. But if you have a large number of staff members who are out quarantining or out because they are positive, it can shut down a school or drastically change the school’s operations,” said Ryan Brown, South Carolina Department of Education Chief Communications Officer.

While school districts are not required to accept or provide these tests, government officials are encouraging school districts and charter schools to opt into the program. 

Many schools who have already opted in are currently in the process of training nurses and athletic trainers to conduct these rapid tests, in hopes that these tests will help mitigate the current rise of coronavirus cases throughout the state.

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Health Update: The State’s Response to the Coronavirus

Featured Image Source: WYFF

As increasing numbers of positive cases of the coronavirus are identified globally, South Carolina officials are responding. On Sunday South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced the temporary closure of schools across the state after nine new cases of COVID-19 were identified earlier in the week. Starting on Monday the 16th schools were shut down and will remain closed until the end of March, until further notice. The decision by McMaster applies to public schools across the state, and efforts by transportation officials have begun to supply materials to children in remote areas for online classes.

Several schools throughout the state have responded to closures by implementing free meals for students, offering “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch on weekdays. Th at eight designated schools. Breakfasts and lunches will be available for pick-up from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and from 12:30-2:30 p.m. respectively at school locations in Columbia, Eastover, and Hopkins.

In addition to shutting down schools, the governor requested that all public gatherings in South Carolina be limited to under 100 people following advice from health organizations to limit the number of people in one location. As of Monday evening the total number of statewide cases testing positive for the coronavirus has reached 33.

For continued updates on closures and safety information, visit the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Center for Disease Control.