Governor Charlie Baker released the first results from COVID-19 pooled testing in schools in Massachusetts on Monday, March 29.
The first set of results found a 0.7% COVID-19 positive rate in schools in Massachusetts among students and staff.
Massachusetts became the first in the United States to launch pooled testing when the program launched in February.
Pooled testing collects anterior nasal swab samples from students and staff. The testing laboratory combines the samples into pools of several people.
When a test returns negative, researchers consider each individual in the pool as negative for the virus.
When a test returns with a positive result, each individual in the pool receives an individual test.
The method enables more tests to be conducted with results within 24 hours.
Baker also announced it will now cover the costs of COVID-19 testing at sites dedicated to early education providers.
