Albuquerque Public Schools: Test To Stay

Press release from Albuquerque Public Schools:

November 19, 2021

Albuquerque Public Schools is doing all it can to keep students safe and in school even as the number of COVID cases in New Mexico remains high.

Starting in December, APS will offer the Test to Stay program, which allows unvaccinated and partially vaccinated students exposed to COVID-19 to stay at school as long as they test negative in the days that follow. They can ride the bus, participate in extracurricular activities including athletics, and attend before- and after-school programs. Outside of school and school-related activities, students would still be expected to quarantine.  

Students who opt in to the Test to Stay program will take a rapid, shallow, nasal swab test at their school on days 1, 3, and 5 following exposure to COVID. As long as they test negative, they can stay at school. The Test to Stay program is only available to students exposed at school or school-related activities.

The tests are free for families. The New Mexico Department of Health is using federal funding to cover costs. The Test to Stay program will also be available to APS employees.

APS families may register their children in advance for the Test to Stay program:

• Register online External link opens a new window.
• Scan the QR code below or 
• Fill out a registration form at your child's school. 
• Families also have the option of registering if and when the school identifies their child as a close contact External link opens a new window. .

Registered students are eligible for surveillance testing.

External link

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students who are exposed to COVID but choose not to participate in the Test to Stay program will be required to quarantine for up to 10 days. Please remember that quarantining means avoiding all public contact, not just school and school-related activities.

This press release was produced by Albuquerque Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.