(Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)率州府團隊在今(8)日中午的新冠疫情匯報中宣佈，下個月起，將在自願參與模式下，為全州之內的學校、學區提供每週一次的合併檢測(pooled
testing)。
麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)再次強調戴口罩，保持社交安全距離
等作法，是最好的防疫措施。(周菊子攝)
透過和新冠病毒指揮中心和中小學教育廳的合作，提供到校上課或混合式學習，並參加州府這檢測計畫的學區，將會優先獲得檢測套件。
遠距學習或想要把學生帶回教室上課的學校，也可以參加合併檢測項目。有興趣的學區和學校可在1月15日之前通知中小學教育廳。
麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)表示，麻州政府和州內的所有醫院每日保持連絡，以確認他們有足夠資源，病床來收容，治療新冠病毒病人。
截至1月7日，麻州政府已發出345,000劑疫苗給各醫院及醫療機構，其中167,000劑已經使用，包括16,000劑是派發給了聯邦長照項目。
麻州副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)做進一步說明。
第一階段的疫苗注射計畫已開始，目前進展良好。1月11日起，麻州將開始在全州各地已設置的119個疫苗站，為第一線工作人員注射疫苗，指揮中心將繼續增設疫苗站，並於1月18日起提供疫苗給和聯邦政府藥物計畫沒有合作關係的機構。
查理貝克稱，專家們的研究認為學生到校上課，身心狀況及學習效果都比不到校上課好。州政府因此撥款10億元給學區，學校執行因應新冠病毒的相關措施。從今年8月以來，有3萬名學生，4000名教職員到校上課，並無任何狀況，可謂成功故事。麻州政府因此希望藉由合併檢測辦法，讓更多學生能夠回校上課。
麻州健康及人民服務長Marylou Sudders。
合併檢測是以”批量(batch)”，或者”匯集(pool)”的方式，混和幾種檢測樣本，然後以診斷，PCR測試方式來檢測匯集的樣本有無新冠病毒(SARS-CoV-2)。這種方法可藉由和單次PCR檢測同樣數量的實驗室資源，來增加能夠檢測的人數。
至少每週一次鼻前拭子檢測，結果可在24到48小時內出來。如果合併檢測結果是陰性，就可假設該群組中的所有個人都是陰性，就可以繼續留在學校。如果有一個群組檢測的結果是陽性，那麼這群組內的每一個人都要做個別診斷檢測。一旦辨別出確診個人後，這些人就必須遵守隔離指導原則。和確診個案有緊密接觸的學生，老師及員工，照目前規定，也必須隔離。
在州政府訂定的合約下，學區和學校將和協調檢測實驗室，為追蹤結果做科技平台，並為學校員工提供訓練，以及技術援助的群組檢測服務供應商合作。檢測將會由CLIA認證的實驗室做分析。
麻州中小學教育廳將在最初的推出這項目期間，承擔所需的大約1500萬元到3000萬元的開銷，並使用聯邦政府的促進經濟經費來資助。在這最初階段之後，學區及學校可以藉由使用各自的聯邦刺激方案經費，向全州性的合約商購買檢測，以及任何其他的配合檢測材料及軟體來繼續使用匯集檢測方法。
麻州政府今日宣佈的檢測策略是建立在12月時麻州在各學校推動得快色檢測計畫之上。麻州從聯邦政府那兒收到的Abbott
BinaxNow檢測，已有些現在是由公校學區，以及其他教育性機構，用於檢測顯現症狀的學生及員工。Abbott
BinaxNow檢測目前免費提供給100多個學校使用。
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Pooled Testing Initiative for Massachusetts Schools, Districts
BOSTON – The
Baker-Polito Administration today announced weekly COVID-19
pooled testing will be available within the next month to schools and districts
across the Commonwealth, expanding on a rapid testing initiative that began
in schools in December.
Pooled testing involves mixing several test samples together in a “batch” or “pool,” and then testing the pooled sample with a diagnostic, PCR test for detection of SARS-CoV-2. This approach increases the number of individuals that can be tested using the same amount of laboratory resources as a single PCR test.
The test is performed at least once per week on an anterior nasal swab and results are delivered within approximately 24-48 hours. If a pooled test result is negative, then all individuals within that pool are presumed negative and may continue to remain in school. If a pooled test result is positive, then everyone in the pool is given an individual diagnostic test. Once positive individuals are identified, they must follow isolation guidance. Students, teachers, and staff that were close contacts of the positive case must quarantine according to current requirements.
Under a state contract being developed, districts and schools will work with pooled testing service providers who will coordinate with testing labs, implement a technology platform for tracking results, and provide training for school staff, and technical assistance. Tests will be analyzed at a CLIA-certified laboratory.
DESE will assume the costs for the testing initiative during the initial start-up of the program, estimated to cost between $15 million and $30 million, which will be funded by federal stimulus funds. Following the initial launch, districts and schools may continue using pooled testing by purchasing the tests and any other accompanying testing materials and software from a statewide contract using their federal stimulus dollars.
The testing strategy announced today
builds on a rapid
testing initiative launched at schools across the Commonwealth in December.
Massachusetts received Abbott BinaxNOW tests from the federal government, some
of which are currently being used in public school districts and other
educational settings to test students and staff showing symptoms. Abbott BinaxNOW
tests are currently provided to more than 100 schools at no cost.
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