TOMS RIVER, NJ – A new bill has been introduced in the New Jersey State Assembly that seeks to require teachers, students and faculty to take COVID-19 tests one week prior to schools reopening in September.
According to the bill introduced on August 13th by Essex County Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, a board of education shall require that each enrolled student, school district employee, volunteer, and student-teacher has a COVID-19 test within no more than one week prior to the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The board of education shall not allow a student, school district employee, volunteer, or student teacher in school buildings or on school grounds unless he provides evidence of the test. Also, the Department of Education shall establish a COVID-19 test tracking system to be used by school districts to ensure compliance with the provisions of this act.
“This bill provides that a board of education is to require that all enrolled students, school district employees, volunteers, and student teachers have a COVID-19 test within one week prior to the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The board may not allow a student, employee, volunteer, or student teacher in school buildings or on school grounds unless he provides evidence of the test,” Speight said. ” The bill directs the Department of Education to establish a COVID-19 test tracking system that school districts will use to ensure that each student, employee, volunteer, and student teacher has had the required COVID-19 testing.”
“It is imperative that testing be a part of the return to school in order to mitigate the potential spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 and ensure the health and safety of children, families, and the school community,” she said.
Photo purchased from istock/Getty Images (C) narvikk.