Covid-19 Testing for Day Students

Dear TASIS Parents,

We are grateful that we made the decision to implement a robust Covid-19 testing program, and the successful start of this program has demonstrated how important it is to test and trace our students before classes begin. Early testing leads to a swift identification of positive cases, immediate isolation to prevent spread, and quick treatment for those infected. Proactive testing also helps to identify anyone who came into close contact with those infected so that they too can be isolated and tested.

We know it is not uncommon for young people in particular to carry the virus while exhibiting no symptoms. It is critical to identify and then isolate these students as early as possible, as we have done with our incoming boarding students this week. While the vast majority of our incoming boarding students have tested negative for the virus, we have had four positive tests. We expected to have some positive tests, and we expect to have more throughout the fall. What is most important is how we manage this as a school and as a community.

We are working closely with local authorities, LuganoCare, and our Health Center to keep our community safe. Operating during a pandemic comes with an inherent set of challenges that schools around the world must grapple with. We must acknowledge that completely eliminating risk is impossible and that it is our responsibility to limit risk as much as we can. These are our primary tools for doing so:

TESTING: As discussed above, early testing is a vital tool for identifying positive cases before the virus has a chance to spread. All boarding students have been tested at our on-campus testing facility the day they've arrived.
CONTACT TRACING: We have put procedures into place to help us identify those who came into close contact with an infected person. Among other efforts, we've reduced variability in our daily academic schedule and will use assigned seating in classrooms and dining areas.
ISOLATION: All students and faculty members arriving from high-risk countries must remain in quarantine for 10 days. Anyone who exhibits symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19 must isolate until cleared by medical authorities.
DISTANCE: We must maintain at least 1.5 meters of space between one another whenever possible. We've installed plexiglass dividers in key locations around campus to provide an added layer of protection.
MASKS: All adults and students in grades 2–12 must wear masks throughout the day, with sensible mask breaks provided as needed.
HYGIENE: We must continue to educate our students about the importance of practicing good hygiene and washing hands frequently. We must also provide hand sanitizer all over campus and enhance our cleaning and ventilation procedures.
SAFETY PLEDGE: We will soon be asking all members of our community to make a commitment to do their part to keep the community safe.

The past few days have reinforced the idea that among these tools, testing is paramount. Our experiences this week coupled with the guidance provided by our school doctor, Dr. Vincenzo Liguori, have led us to determine that the most important action we can now take to minimize risk for our entire community at this critical early stage is to require Covid-19 tests for all day students.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and are confident that this is the best course of action for our community as we seek to do everything within our power to protect our students, families, teachers, and staff members.

We cannot thank you enough for your understanding and your patience as we continue to seek positive solutions to the many challenges this virus presents. Please find the details of our Day Student Covid-19 Testing Program below.

With endless gratitude,

Christopher Nikoloff
TASIS Headmaster

Day Student Covid-19 Testing Program

What test is my child required to take?

All day students (grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12) must take a nasopharyngeal test (RT-PCR), which has proven to be highly effective in detecting the presence of the Covid-19 virus within a person's system.

Where can my child take this test?

We are offering all families the opportunity to have their children tested at our on-campus testing facility, which is located on the ground floor of the Campo Science Center. The testing center is run by Dr. Vincenzo Liguori and LuganoCare.

Dr. Liguori and his team can test up to 12 patients per hour. Test results will be available within 24 hours, and the lab will mail them directly to families. In the event of a positive test, the lab will notify families immediately by phone.

Alternatively, you are free to have your child take a nasopharyngeal test (RT-PCR) at your family doctor or any local hospital. If you decide to do so, you must send a scanned copy of the results—regardless of the outcome—to nurses@tasis.ch or present a hard copy to the security officer on duty at our checkpoint station (the gazebo at the main entrance to campus).

Does my child have to be tested before school begins?

Yes, your child cannot attend school until he or she has tested negative for Covid-19 at our on-campus testing facility or at a location of your choice.

What happens if my child tests positive for Covid-19?

In the event of a positive test, your child will be required to isolate at home until cleared to return by medical authorities. Assuming that your child feels well enough to do so, he or she can still benefit from the excellent hybrid instruction our teachers are prepared to deliver to students who cannot be on campus.

How can I sign my child up for a Covid-19 test at the TASIS testing facility?

Covid-19 tests for day students will be offered on campus August 29–September 1 from 8:00–18:00.

You can sign up for an appointment through the Covid-19 Testing Appointments module we have built in the Veracross Parent Portal. (Please contact veracross@tasis.ch if you do not know your login credentials.)

Once you have logged into the Veracross Parent Portal, please follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Covid-19 Testing Appointments button.

2. Click on View Teachers next to the name of the child you'd like to make an appointment for. Please note that families with multiple children will need to make a separate appointment for each child.

3. Select an appointment time from the drop-down box.

4. Click on Reserve Times to confirm the appointment.

Appointment slots will disappear as families sign up, so we highly recommend that you book an appointment as soon as possible if you would like to be tested on campus. Please also note that each testing window is only five minutes, so it's very important that you show up on time with your child.

Is there a cost associated with on-campus testing?
Yes, the cost for having a nasopharyngeal test administered in our on-campus testing facility is CHF 290, as agreed upon with Dr. Liguori. If you choose to have your child tested on campus, you do not need to pay at the testing site. Our Business Office will charge your account afterward.

Can parents and siblings who don't attend TASIS be tested on campus?
We are sorry, but due to the urgency of completing all tests for our day students before classes begin on Thursday, September 3, we will not be able to offer tests on campus to anyone who doesn't attend or work at TASIS.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Please address all questions about Covid-19 testing to nurses@tasis.ch.