OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Education are teaming up to provide Oklahoma teachers and support employees with optional monthly COVID-19 testing.
Testing plays a key role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. The Health Department has placed a top priority in helping schools navigate through these uncertain times to protect our children, our teachers and communities.
OSDH and OSDE's plan will provide free coronavirus testing for teachers and support staff through public-private testing partners in their area, according to a OSDH press release. All COVID-19 tests will be processed through Oklahoma Public Health Lab Network and other contracted labs by the state. This will insure results are given in a timely manner.
The strategy for the plan is being submitted to Governor Stitt on Friday, Aug. 21, for approval. Additional details on the plan will be provided in the weeks ahead.
“No matter the circumstances, learning cannot happen unless all parties – families, school personnel and students – are in a safe environment. This voluntary COVID-19 testing program is an important component of a layered approach to in-person instruction that will help mitigate risk of coronavirus exposure to everyone in the school community,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.
OSDH encourages Oklahomans to get tested for COVID-19 as they have sufficient supplies and lab capacity, officials said.
To find a free testing location in your area, click here.
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