The Herkimer Central School District is now accepting the results of same and next-day PCR tests for COVID-19 that are available at Primary Urgent Care and Bassett Health Center in Herkimer. Depending on what time of day the test is taken, results are often available the same day.
The district was previously only accepting send-out PCR tests. The district is not accepting antigen test results.
During a PCR test, a healthcare provider uses a swab to collect respiratory material found in the nose. The swab is then sealed in a tube before it is tested.
A regulation by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) says that all school students, teachers, and staff with new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19, cannot be in school, regardless of vaccination status. They must either provide a negative PCR COVID test result, or remain out of school for a minimum of 10 calendar days from symptom onset, prior to returning to school.
If symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines, they may return to school following a negative PCR COVID test. They will also need to provide a note from a healthcare provider indicating the test was negative or a copy of the negative test result.