1.  Where will we be tested?  At our school building or at the district office? 

• School-based staff and students will be tested at their school.
• Districtwide ETA assigned to schools will be tested at their home school.
• Dedicated locations will be announced for all other staff.

2. When will we be tested? 

Each site will have a designated day and time, which have yet to be determined.

3.  Will we be tested in front of students? Or will the testing occur privately? 

No, staff will not be tested in front of students.  Each site will work to provide the most privacy possible for both students and staff. 

4. Will there be a predictable schedule? (i.e. every Monday at 9am) Or will it be random days and times? 

Each site will have a designated date and time of collection. 

5. If the test is positive, and I am quarantined for 10 school days, will those days be paid sick days? Or will the days be unpaid? 

Any staff member who is determined to be symptomatic or who tests positive with COVID-19 may utilize benefit days. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act concluded on December 31, 2020, and the federal government no longer pays for quarantine days for employees.  While the district was able to extend this benefit through March 31, 2021, once all staff members had the opportunity to become vaccinated, the benefit was not further extended.  The District will work with the health department and medical authorities on issues connected with quarantine.  

6. The consent form mentions "false negatives." Is there also such a thing as "false positives"? 

Medical authorities in the State provide that the accuracy rate for shield testing has a specificity of 98.9% and sensitivity of 96.8%.  Generally speaking, once an individual tests positive IDPH guidelines of quarantine must be followed.  Staff will be contacted by a contact tracer directly to identify how and when they can return to work.

7. If the test is positive, and I am tested a second time within the 10 day quarantine and the second test comes back negative, will I be allowed to come back to school before the 10 day quarantine is over? 

The District will work with the health department and medical authorities on issues connected with testing and quarantine.  Generally speaking, once an individual tests positive IDPH guidelines of quarantine must be followed.  Staff will be contacted by a contact tracer directly to identify how and when they can return to work.

8. What does this mean: "My test results may be disclosed as permitted by law." Disclosed to whom? 

Only the patient (or parent/guardian), the lab, and the ordering physician have access to individual patient results. By law, positive test records are also reported to the relevant public health department(s) for contact tracing.  Sponsor organizations (e.g., school or employer) may also receive patient results at their option with patient’s consent or as a part of a mandatory testing protocol for workplace health and safety.

9. The form says: "I understand that this consent form will be valid through the 2021-2022 school year, unless I notify the designated contact person in writing that I revoke my consent." What happens if I revoke my consent? 

You will not be allowed to participate in the Shield Screening program.  Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order dated September 3, 2021, all district personnel must be vaccinated or consent to weekly testing to be allowed to continue working in U-46 facilities.

10. We know that vaccinated individuals can have breakthrough infections and spread the virus. Are vaccinated individuals going to be regularly tested as well? 

Currently the State of Illinois Grant provides free Shield testing for unvaccinated students and staff.  We are considering additional opportunities for vaccinated students and staff to be tested and will share this information if/when available. 

11. At what point would this testing process be considered discrimination?  

The District’s compliance with the vaccine and testing protocol is in line with and required by Executive Order, which has the force and effect of law pursuant to the Governor’s authority under the Illinois Constitution, art. V, § 8, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.  20 ILCS 3305/1 et seq; see also 20 ILCS 3305/7(2) and 3305/19. The District is not responsible for defending the Governor or State agencies; however, as applied, the Executive Order is neutral and generally applicable.  Generally speaking, and on the face of the document, the law does not disfavor any group on the basis of a protected category.