MERSD has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Ginkgo Bioworks to provide onsite pooled testing as an added mitigation measure for students at Middle High School and K-12 staff.  The program will be used in addition to our current strategies of daily sanitation, rigorous hygiene and handwashing, use of masks/face coverings, six-foot physical distancing, reducing interaction between groups, and encouraging students and staff to stay home when sick.

Pooled testing involves mixing several test samples together in a "batch" or "pool" and then testing the pooled sample with a PCR test for detection of SARS-CoV-2.  Through a partnership with the DESE and Ginkgo Bioworks, MERSD will receive est kits, support from a testing service provider, and the testing software to track results, all at no cost, until March 28, 2021.   Our local MERSD health team and trained staff volunteers will administer the tests weekly to each cohort and conduct any necessary follow-up contact tracing and second-tier testing of positive pools.

We are planning to launch the testing program the week following February Break.

In order to participate in the testing program, you will need to complete a consent form for each student attending school.  Students will not be allowed to participate until a form has been completed.  Ginkgo Pooled Testing Parent Consent Form