Test&Stay

Test&Stay

For the 2021-22 school year, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has partnered with CIC Health to provide free COVID-19 testing to students, teachers and staff who have been identified as a close contact through school-based contact tracing. Called Test&Stay, we are pleased to offer this testing program at STGRSD.

What is Test&Stay?

Test&Stay is a FREE rapid COVID-19 antigen test that uses a shallow nasal sample collected under the supervision of a school nurse or trained health care provider. Unlike some other COVID-19 tests, these are not uncomfortable and easy for individuals to do themselves. Test&Stay is an individual test and is NOT pooled testing.

Test&Stay allows individuals who have been identified as a school-based close contact to stay in school if they are not showing any symptoms. Instead of needing to quarantine and miss school, these individuals can take a daily rapid test while they remain in school as long as they are not symptomatic.

The duration of the Test&Stay program is five (5) days from the date of exposure. Some of these days could be non-school days (i.e., weekends or holidays). Testing is only required on school days, unless the individual participates in school-sponsored sports or extracurricular activities that fall on a non-school day. If the fifth (5th) day falls over a non-school day, the individual must be tested on the morning of their return to school. Individuals must continue to monitor for symptoms through day ten (10) from exposure.

For school-sponsored events and sports that take place on non-school days, testing is necessary on those days for close contacts to participate. If these close contacts do not consent to testing, or if specialized home testing kits are not available, individuals may not participate. Coaches and activity advisors will require the results of the test for student to participate.

Who is eligible for Test&Stay?

Test&Stay is a voluntary program that is only available for students and staff that have been identified as school-based close contacts by the district and are not showing symptoms. A consent form must be completed for all individuals to participate in Test&Stay. Students must have permission from a parent or guardian to participate in Test&Stay. Individuals displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are not eligible to participate in Test&Stay. 

What if an individual tests positive through Test&Stay?

If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 using the rapid antigen test, the school nurse will provide additional information at that time.

When will Test&Stay testing being at STGRSD?

Beginning on October 4, 2021, Test&Stay will be available at STGRSD for all students and staff who have a completed consent form on file.

How do I consent to participate in Test&Stay?

For anyone to participate in the program, a one time consent form must be completed. For students to participate in the program, a parent or guardian must complete the form. 
Consent forms are available to complete and submit online at: https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma?district=null

Click Here for instructions for completing the consent form.  

Consent forms may be completed at any time. Anyone who wishes to remove their consent may do so by submitting a request in writing to the school nurse.

More information about the COVID-19 testing program is also available through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website: https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/testing/

Anyone requiring additional information is asked to please contact STGRSD Lead Nurse, Marcia Lamoureaux at (413) 569-6171.


updated 1/18/2022 with guidance per CDC.


Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District