28.03.2024

DPS Plans On In-Person Learning After Winter Break

As cases of COVID-19 continue to climb in Colorado, and the concern over the omicron variant grows, Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero says they will  move forward with in-person learning after the winter break.

Marrero sent a letter to families on Dec. 29 saying strong health safeguards are allowing this decision.

“DPS has a very high vaccination rate among staff, and the COVID-19 vaccine is now available for everyone ages 5 and older. We also strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get a booster shot,” he said in the letter.

Marrero says more information is expected in the coming days about new guidance on isolation and quarantine periods from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We remain fully committed to keeping schools open for in-person learnings and supports, as long as that is in line with the advice of our health experts. We also anticipate that schools will continue to face significant staffing shortages that may require temporary shifts to remote learning, although that is only considered as a last resort because we know how difficult it is on families for there to be a shift to a remote day on short notice,” Marrerro stated.

Families and students are urged to get their booster shot if they’ve not done so already and get tested regularly. DPS families can get free, at-home tests.

Rapid COVID Tests Are Less Reliable, Should Be Repeated

As we gather with loved ones for the holidays, it’s important to remember that no COVID-19 test is 100% accurate.

Dr. Lydia Fisher, an infectious disease specialist at the Medical Center of Aurora, says false results are more likely when using a rapid test versus a PCR test, which she says is much more sensitive at around 98% if you have symptoms.

“When it comes to the rapid tests, for people who are symptomatic, that’s closer to 92, 93% sensitivity,” said Dr. Fisher. “When you’re asymptomatic, it actually drops down to the 70s, I think it’s something like 76%.”

However, there are methods that could increase the sensitivity when using a rapid test, according to a recent study.

“They were able to show if you take these rapid tests every three days after exposure, it actually increases the sensitivity to about 98%, so that’s on par with a PCR test,” said Dr. Fisher.

After the holiday gatherings are over, even if you don’t know that you were exposed to Covid, Dr. Fisher suggests getting tested as soon as possible. If you use a rapid test, she suggests getting another one three days later.

Dr. Fisher says at-home testing can also be problematic, so pay close attention to the instructions so you can collect a good sample.

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