One school in Davis School District crossed test-to-stay threshold, two more are close

FARMINGTON, Utah – As the historic omicron surge runs through Utah classrooms, nearly a dozen schools were forced to test their students to determine who stays in person. 

Viewmont High School in Bountiful registered more than 32 positive cases, which pushed it past the 2% threshold. Going past that threshold requires a test-to-stay event, according to state law. 

Two more high schools in the Davis School District approached that same threshold, and that could force another test-to-stay event before the week is over. 

Parents will be asked to sign a permission form for their kids to be tested. If they test positive, or if they refuse a test, the student will have to stay home for at least five days. 

Positive cases can come back after that time if they test negative, but they will be asked to wear a mask for five days. 

Viewmont High School will hold a test to stay event tomorrow, as COVID cases have reached the 2% threshold. @KSL5TV

— Mike Anderson (@mikeandersonKSL) January 11, 2022

At the same time, district spokesperson Chris Williams is asking parents to remain vigilant in doing what they can to prevent the spread. 

“If you’re sick, stay home. And we have seen our absentee numbers rise a bit, I think because people realize that we don’t want students who are sick at school,” Williams said. 

Parents can also opt to get their kids tested elsewhere, but an at-home test will not be accepted. They will need an official word of a negative test to come back to school Thursday. 

Williams said positive cases came in very high right after the holidays, which is pushing these numbers.