Ossining Schools To Expand Coronavirus Screening Program

OSSINING, NY — Ossining school officials are expanding the COVID-19 screening program they've been doing under the auspices of the Westchester County Department of Health since school started in September.

All students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) are encouraged to participate in the free, school-based coronavirus testing program.

"Early detection means we can better stop the virus from spreading in schools," Superintendent Raymond Sanchez said in a letter to parents. "Preventing school outbreaks is key to ensuring our schools stay open to provide the education and support our children need."

The program uses non-invasive, self-collected saliva samples. They are, he said, appropriate and painless for all ages.

The testing is done by Mirimus, Inc., which uses a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to detect viral RNA in a student's saliva. The test is performed in a laboratory where the presence of viral RNA can be detected even before antibodies or symptoms of the disease are present. This means the tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus very early on in their illness.

The county supports the cost.

If you are interested in participating in the program, which starts back up when school starts after the holiday break, complete the consent form by 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22.

Existing participants do not have to complete the form.

You can see more about the district's response to the pandemic on its website here.