UPDATED January 28, 2022
The Columbia County Department of Health will offer free COVID-19 testing for students/staff seeking an antigen test before returning to school. Although not required, students who were recently ill (with no alternative diagnosis), tested positive, or were exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to take advantage of the free testing as an added preventative measure before returning to school.*
Due to low turnout at the firehouse locations, the CCDOH will offer free testing for Columbia County students as follows:
- Beginning on Thursday, February 3, 2022, the CCDOH will provide free testing for students/staff by appointment only. Appointments will be made during the hours of 8-11:30 a.m. and 12:45-3:30 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact Emily Crimmins, RN, at 518-828-3358 ext. 1251.
- Testing will be done in the back parking lot of the CCDOH (325 Columbia St, Hudson, NY 12534)
- QuickVue rapid antigen test kits will be used.
While proof of negative test results are no longer required to return to school after completing five full days of quarantine/isolation, please be reminded that students should NOT return to school unless symptoms are resolving or they are without a fever for 24 hours (if symptoms are not resolving after five days they should remain in isolation until symptoms are resolving). The voluntary CCDOH testing clinics are an opportunity to further reduce virus transmission in our schools.
We appreciate your continued patience and support as we navigate the ongoing guidance changes from local and state health officials.
*It is recommended that individuals use an antigen test after five (5) days of isolation following a positive test result or five (5) days after the date of exposure (if they were exposed to COVID-19 but have not been tested).