Our district will be participating in the Erie County Department of Health’s (ECDOH) Proximal and Surveillance Testing Program. Surveillance testing is not new to our district but the addition of testing, test collection and the addition of proximal testing - is new.
Voluntary Surveillance Testing is part of a layered “mitigation strategy” designed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This testing program will test approximately 10% of those for whom consent has been received weekly. Participation in this program is strongly encouraged and completely voluntary. It involves a self-collected oral swab which is done just inside of the person's cheek. This will be done with a healthcare professional, provided to the district by the Erie County Department of Health.
Proximal Testing is also voluntary and is for those who are in the same airspace as an infected individual but is for those who are not considered to be a close contact. This type of contact is considered “proximal”. Proximal contacts are not subject to quarantine, unless they are symptomatic.
Fully vaccinated individuals can participate in both types of testing and we urge you to consider having your child or children participate in these programs. We are urging your participation in this voluntary program in an effort to continue in-person learning experiences, while ensuring the safety of students, faculty and staff by reducing the risks of COVID-19 disease transmission in the school setting.
Meet Ms. Christina Deynes
Ms.Christina Deynes is a Medical Assistant from Buffalo Home Healthcare who will be stationed at Cheektowaga Central School District Monday's from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ms. Deynes is in charge of proximal & surveillance testing program through the Erie Coubty Health Department and can be found in the High School.
