Glasgow Schools Offer Free COVID-19 Testing For Students

Glasgow School District is now offering free COVID-19 testing to students and staff. Results will be available within 30 minutes.

"As part of steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our school open for in-person learning, we will offer a free COVID-19 Testing Program for students and staff at Glasgow School District," Superintendent Wade Sundby said in a press release. "Regular testing will help protect our students, staff, family members, and others against COVID-19 or are otherwise at risk for getting seriously sick from COVID-19."

Through this program, district staff will be able to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and early, Sundby said, "which can help us stop an outbreak before it happens. This will help us keep students in the classroom and able to take part in the school activities they love."

The district also is working with the Valley County Health Department in concert with other school districts throughout the state that offer this program, Sundby said.

Testing will be available to all students and staff even if they do not exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19.

"The COVID-19 testing is free, quick and easy," Sundby said. "Members of our school staff will oversee testing with the Bionexnow rapid test which includes gently swabbing the inner part of the lower nostril. This test is not painful. We do not use the longer swabs that reach higher into the nose."

A saliva sample also can be used for testing.

All testing will be conducted in the boardroom at the District's Central Office from 8 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. These times are subject to change.

Testing also will be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but must be scheduled in advance with school staff. Parents may text or call to make an appointment when needed by calling Nancy Hamilton at 406-230-0922 or sending an email to [email protected]

The district will not share the results or other health information of the person tested unless for public health purposes, and only then in accordance with applicable law and policies protecting student privacy and the security of the child's data, Sundby said.

"We are extremely grateful to our committed families and staff who continue to show great flexibility and resilience as we work together to contain the spread of this virus," Sundby said. "We know that last year was tough, but we're excited to get back in the classroom. We are committed to taking the steps necessary to help us have a safe return to school."