To limit the risk of having asymptomatic individuals in the school, Hononegah is offering every student and staff member the opportunity to enroll in the SHIELD program sponsored by the University of Illinois. This enrollment is optional but in order for your student to participate, you must register and sign the digital consent form included in this document. By participating in the SHIELD program, the risk of long quarantines due to close contact can be reduced.
What is SHIELD?
The SHIELD program helps to identify asymptomatic students to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the school. By testing students twice a week, it identifies pre-symptomatic individuals and isolates them sooner to prevent further spread.
What is the SHIELD test?
If you consent, your child will receive free diagnostic testing for the COVID-19 virus conducted by collecting saliva (spit).
How does this benefit your student?
By enrolling in the SHIELD program, the student would qualify for the Test-to-Stay Program if they are identified as a close contact to a positive case in the school or school-sponsored activity only (not a household contact). The Test-to-Stay Program uses a test called BinaxNOW for close contacts on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after the last contact with a positive case. BinaxNOW is a nasal swab test that will be administered by our school nurses, so your student can stay in school as long as they continue to test negative.
Looking for more information in the consent form, click here!