Do The Kids Need COVID Testing to Return to School?

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The latest cases of COVID-19 have put Beijing’s schools back on high alert. Last winter when COVID-19 first became a global pandemic, beijingkids kept a daily updated blog of news and regulations happening around the city as they developed. We hope this time the cases will be contained and life resumes back to normal in 2021.

At the moment, international schools that aren’t located in or near the medium risk areas of Shunyi are planning to resume classes as scheduled after the new year. Some schools located in Shunyi have been required to close until further notice as the situation changes.

For the schools that are planning to reopen as scheduled, testing is highly recommended but not required for all international schools. International School of Beijing issued a letter to parents requiring that all students, teachers, staff, and contracted staff provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within Beijing dated no earlier than Dec 24 in order to enter the campus. Other schools, including Dulwich College Beijing, have informed parents to complete the mandatory government survey but have not issued any mandatory requirements for mass testing as a community, through the school recommends that all students and family should proactively schedule a test.

Winter camps have also been interrupted by the latest cases. Those with field trip plans have begun contacting parents regarding cancellations.

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At the moment, while families are enjoying the holiday break, we recommend avoiding large group gatherings and traveling. While it’s not mandatory to get tested, we highly urge the Beijing community to do so as a preventative measure. The full list of hospitals where you can get tested for COVID-19 can be found on the Beijinger.

At yesterday’s (Dec 27) press conference, a spokesperson for the Beijing Municipal Government reminded the public that all districts in Beijing have entered a state of emergency and have adopted stricter measures in order to prevent the spread of the recent sporadic cases.

We’ll keep you updated on the latest school-related news as they come in. Don’t panic. We, as a city and a community, been through this before and we’re better prepared this time. Life will be back to normal in no time.

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Photos: Unsplash, Pexels 

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