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Arkansas outlines testing, quarantine and tracing plan as schools reopen
Summary
Arkansas education and health officials told a joint legislative committee they will prioritize point-of-contact reporting, PCR confirmation of antigen results and rapid contact tracing for school cases, but they declined to set a single statewide closure threshold, favoring context-specific decisions.
Arkansas education and health officials told a joint Senate Education and Public Health committee on Monday that districts should identify a trained point of contact to report suspected COVID-19 cases, that initial antigen screenings will be confirmed or followed up with PCR testing, and that contact tracing will begin promptly when a positive result is confirmed.
Johnny Key of the Arkansas Department of Education said the state provided a “playbook” and resources to help districts address interrupted learning and operational challenges, and that the department has reserved a portion of ESSER/CARES funds to supply PPE and technology. Key said districts received a mix of direct ESSER payments and a state-held 10% reserve for emergency needs.
Dr. Romero of the Arkansas Department of Health described the clinical pathway: students with symptoms should…
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