Schools will once again be able to take advantage of free Covid-19 tests from the University of Illinois’ Shield Program.
The Shield’s Beth Heller says the quick saliva tests helped districts around the state slow spread of the virus last year, and are now an option for the upcoming school year.
“The PCR test is really great because it’s a screening test that is meant to catch people that are positive with Covid before they even know so we can stop the spread of infection. It’s also used for diagnostic testing so when people are sick they can get tested, know they are positive, and stay away from others.”
Heller says interested schools should sign up by July 15th to ensure tests are available for the first day of class. They can do that at: shieldillinois.com.
About 258 districts throughout the state plus many private schools worked with Shield Illinois during this most recent academic year.
