WASHINGTON — This morning the Biden administration announced new initiatives to double the capacity of testing available in schools, provide more guidance on “test-to-stay” programs, and deploy surge testing sites nationwide to mitigate the spread of Omicron.
The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle:
“We applaud the Biden administration for heeding the call of educators across the nation to center our school communities in the pandemic response strategy and providing even more resources to keep our students, educators, and all their families safe. The National Education Association is already mobilizing its members and leaders to work with schools as well as state and local governments to take advantage of the new testing resources.
“Omicron has brought a wave of cases to our school communities, and this increase in testing capacity will go a long way in slowing the spread and keeping our students and educators healthy. However, it is still paramount that states use available American Rescue Plan funds for all the safety measures we know work, the personnel needed to implement them, and for paid leave when staff is required to isolate and quarantine. We must continue to focus on a layered strategy of vaccinations and boosters, masks, proper ventilation, and testing policies to save lives and help ensure the well-being of students and educators as they continue to safely learn and work in person together.”
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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
Media Contact
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