ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW-TV) — It was the first day back in the classroom for many students as new guidance from New York State is allowing in-person learning to resume in Erie County's "orange zone."
Under the new state rules, schools must test 20% of students each month to see if they have COVID-19. The tests are done in the schools by nurses wearing gowns, gloves, and a face shield. Results are obtained within 15 minutes. If positive, the student and their guardians are notified.
Some parents told reporter Ed Reilly they were choosing to keep their children home and continue using virtual learning. Others admitted they were nervous about the schools doing the testing but felt it was the best option to keep people safe and get the kids back into the classroom where they can learn better.
If a school exceeds the state threshold of nine positive cases, or 3% in schools where there are more than 300 tests taken, the school will have to return to a fully remote model.
