JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ky. — Regular COVID-19 testing will soon be required for unvaccinated employees in Kentucky's largest school district.
What You Need To Know
- The JCPS board approved new COVID-19 protocols for employees
- JCPS staff will have to either be vaccinated or get tested for COVID-19 regularly
- Employees will have to inform the school district whether they are vaccinated or option for the regular testing option by Oct. 14
- Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio had suggested this move
Tuesday night, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) board members approved a plan that will require employees to either be vaccinated or get tested weekly for COVID-19 as a condition for employment. There is leeway on the weekly testing in the situation that an employee is sick, out of town or cannot come in for testing for other reasons that week.
JCPS employees will now need to say if they are vaccinated or opting for the regular testing option by Oct. 14.
Louisville's Chief Health Strategist Dr. Sarah Moyer said it's a good idea since people who are not vaccinated are more likely to spread the virus to others, including students who are too young to get the vaccine at the moment.
“One of the best tools besides masking and spacing is just knowing who is positive, especially since we know people can transmit the virus before they even know they are sick. Regular testing is one way to do that,” said Moyer.
Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio had suggested this move, which the board approved with a 6-1 vote Tuesday night. Board member Chris Kolb issued the lone 'no' vote, as he was pushing for vaccine requirements without the weekly testing option.
JCPS reports 379 staff members have the coronavirus and another 238 employees are in quarantine as of 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. That information, along with case numbers and quarantines among students, is available on the district's website.