Is testing in order to stay in school (so-called “Test-to-Stay”) recommended to schools as an alternative to traditional quarantine, as a way to minimize absenteeism and learning loss?

On Dec. 17, 2021, CDC released two reports in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlighting the use of test-to-stay practices used in schools to minimize absenteeism and learning loss which can occur during traditional quarantine at home. In light of this updated data, CDC has added information on test-to-stay practices to the K-12 Transmission Science Brief and on K-12 webpages . Test-to-Stay is another valuable tool in a layered prevention strategy that includes promoting vaccination of eligible students and staff, requiring everyone age 2 years and older to wear a mask inside schools and facilities, keeping at least 3 feet of distance between students, screening testing, ventilation, handwashing, and staying home when sick.