Biden Administration Announces COVID-19 ‘Test-to-Stay’ Policy in Schools

Students cross the street on their way to school in Mississauga, Ont., on April 1, 2021. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated guidance that unvaccinated students who are considered close contacts with a positive COVID-19 case do not need to quarantine, if they consistently test negative for the virus.

The new directive was announced by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, who cited several studies for the decision, during a White House-hosted briefing on Friday. Before Walensky’s announcement, the agency recommended all unvaccinated students who are close contacts to quarantine.