In a news release to Swift Current Online, Chinook School Board has confirmed that they received rapid test kits from the government.

However, the release states that Public Health has indicated that they have not identified any current circumstance in Chinook schools where it would be appropriate to use them. Chinook will work with the local medical health officer to determine if and when the optional rapid testing is appropriate, and schools will work with parents and caregivers to ensure consent is in place. 

Teachers and school staff will not be expected to administer the tests. The province and SHA have yet to provide personnel or direction for the testing, and will provide more information once a plan has been developed. 

If the rapid testing is utilized in any Chinook school based on direction from Health, it would be completely voluntary and no students or staff will be tested without written consent.