On December 3rd, The New York State Department of Health provided an update regarding the type of tests that can be used to permit return to school after COVID symptoms. No longer will a negative NAAT (PCR) test be required to return to school following COVID symptoms, rather, a negative antigen (rapid, shallow nasal swab) or negative NAAT test will suffice. This change was made with the understanding that the turnaround time for some laboratory based NAATs has resulted in multiple day exclusions from school for people with symptoms.
NYS DOH APPROVES RAPID COVID ANTIGEN TEST FOR RETURN TO SCHOOL CLEARANCE
December 9, 2021