One of the many things the school has been doing this year is providing COVID-19 nasal swab testing for anyone who wants it. If you’re worried you might be sick, the testing site is located in the auditorium. 

“Usually they come in, they sign in, we have them [write their name on] a label, put it on their test tube, [and] grab a swab,” tester Tabby Warden said. “We show them how to do their tests [and] they perform their [own] tests.” 

Between 250 to 400 students are tested every day.

“They’re going to put this stick up until they hit a certain point,” Ms. Warden said. “It stays there for 15 seconds . . . [then] it goes to the other side and stays for 15 seconds and then they pull it out.” 

The test swab collects cells and fluids from the upper respiratory system to see if any viruses are present. 

“I didn’t think it would be as simple as it is,” junior and volleyball player Zoe Woehrmyner said. “I just went in, swabbed my nose, put it in the tube, and left.” 

After the test, the swab goes back in the tube, which goes in the correct bin, and the students can now prove that they’ve been tested.

“I was expecting it to be pretty painful,” freshman volleyball player Kelly McIntyre said.

“You feel pretty relaxed. You get to do it yourself.”

Every athlete is required to have daily tests, to ensure that games are safe and COVID-free.

“I think it’s a good idea, because when you play a sport you’re all so close together and you’re touching and it’s hard to really be socially distanced when playing a sport,” Woehrmyner said.

COVID-19 tested athletes are allowed to take their masks off during games with the knowledge that they’re safe.

“I like getting COVID tested because you get to develop your mastering practices or games and it’s just safer for everybody around you. You know you’re not sick,” McIntyre said.

There have been a few cases among students this year, but nothing close to an outbreak.

“So far, everyone has done really great,” Ms. Warden said.