Forsyth County, N.C. — Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools is postponing the start of its mandatory COVID-testing plan for student athletes and students participating in high-risk activities like marching band and dance team. 

What You Need To Know

  • Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools voted to introduce a mandatory testing plan for student athletes and students participating in high-risk activities aiming to start mid-September

  • Difficulty in finding access to tests pushed the district to postpone the start of the testing plan, shifting focus to diagnostic testing for students showing symptoms

  • WSFCS says the board voted to extend its mask mandate

West Forsyth High School student Chancellor McMillian got vaccinated before the start of his first season of junior varsity football. His mother wanted to protect his brother who is too young to get vaccinated.

“I’m glad that I got it because it keeps me safe,” McMillian said. 

Even though he is vaccinated, mother Shanata McMillian-Shepard was still apprehensive about letting her son play sports in the pandemic. The news of a mandatory testing plan eased her nerves a little bit.

“So many people are asymptomatic, so many breakthrough cases. Whatever adds an extra layer that can be placed to help keep our kids safe,” McMillian-Shepard said. 

The Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools board voted to introduce a weekly testing plan for student athletes, and those participating in high-risk activities, regardless of vaccination status. All students would need the consent of their parents to get tested.

If they did not have consent, they would not be allowed to participate in those activities. In a statement released in late September, the district decided to put the program on hold, citing difficulty in finding access to tests. 

“The goal is to keep students in school, and make sure our students and staff have access to free, reliable testing. We feel it most important to meet the immediate needs of our students and staff by providing sites for optional, free, diagnostic testing throughout the district. We have not abandoned the idea of mandatory testing for high-risk, extracurricular activities. We’ve simply put it on hold for now,” the district said in a statement. 

McMillian-Shepard is still worried about her son’s safety as the football season continues. She has faith her son will practice the safety measures his family has taught him.

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools says the program is shifting its focus to diagnostic testing only for right now. The district has extended the mask mandate as well.