Topic: Test To Stay

Former FDA Commissioner and Pfizer board member Dr. Scott Gottlieb discussed "test-to-stay" policies designed to keep children in school by using serial antigen testing. While the FDA has noted decreased sensitivity in some tests regarding the Omicron variant, Gottlieb maintains that they remain effective in real-world settings for detecting high viral loads. The shift toward constant testing has resulted in long lines at testing centers, which some observers find counterintuitive for sick individuals.

The CDC introduces "Test-to-Stay" guidance, an approach allowing students exposed to COVID-19 to remain in school if they test negative twice a week. While intended to prevent missed school days, officials note that many schools lack the staffing and supplies to implement the frequent testing required.