NJF Worldwide Supplies CorDx COVID-19 Rapid Tests to Boston Public Schools for Safer In-Person Learning
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities around the world, testing remains a critical component in controlling the spread of the virus. One company, CorDx, has been making waves with its rapid COVID-19 tests, which provide results in just 15 minutes. Recently, NJF Worldwide, a New Jersey-based supplier, has begun supplying these tests to the Boston Public Schools, helping to keep students and staff safe.
CorDx’s COVID-19 rapid tests are based on a simple lateral flow technology, which works similarly to a pregnancy test. The test involves placing a sample (usually a nasal swab) onto a test strip, which then reacts with the virus if present. If the virus is detected, the test strip will show a visible line, indicating a positive result. Results are available in just 15 minutes, allowing for quick identification of infected individuals and reducing the risk of transmission.
The benefits of rapid testing are numerous. By providing quick results, individuals can be isolated and contact tracing can begin immediately, preventing further spread of the virus. This is particularly important in settings like schools, where many individuals are in close proximity to one another for an extended period of time. Rapid testing can also help identify asymptomatic individuals who may be unknowingly spreading the virus.
NJF Worldwide recognized the importance of rapid testing in schools and began supplying CorDx’s tests to Boston Public Schools in January 2021. Since then, the tests have been used to screen both students and staff for COVID-19. The tests are particularly useful in identifying asymptomatic individuals, who may not otherwise be identified through traditional symptom screening.
The testing process in Boston Public Schools is straightforward. All staff and students are provided one at-home rapid antigen test kit every two weeks. Each kit contains two tests for weekly testing. Students and staff are strongly encouraged to test on Sunday night or Monday morning before coming to school. In-school testing for students showing symptoms are available through the school nurse for consented students and staff. The test is non-invasive and involves a simple nasal swab which provides results in just 15 minutes.
The use of rapid testing has had a significant impact in Boston Public Schools. In just the first few weeks of the program, over 200 positive cases were identified through testing. These individuals were able to isolate immediately, preventing further spread of the virus. Additionally, the use of rapid testing has helped alleviate concerns among parents and staff members about the safety of in-person learning.
The success of the program in Boston Public Schools has led to interest in rapid testing from other school districts around the country. CorDx’s tests have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA, making them available for use in a variety of settings. Rapid testing has also been used in other settings, such as workplaces and healthcare facilities, to quickly identify individuals who may be infected with the virus.
Of course, rapid testing is not a perfect solution. False negatives and false positives are possible, and individuals who test negative may still be incubating the virus. However, rapid testing is an important tool in the fight against COVID-19, particularly in settings like schools where transmission can occur quickly and easily.
In conclusion, the use of CorDx’s rapid COVID-19 tests provided by NJF Worldwide has been a success story. The tests have helped identify positive cases, allowing for isolation and contact tracing. The use of rapid testing has also helped alleviate concerns about the safety of in-person learning, and the program has become a model for other school districts around the country. While rapid testing is not a perfect solution, it is an important tool in controlling the spread of the virus, and NJF Worldwide is leading the way by providing CorDx tests to Boston Public Schools.
