Plans to launch COVID-19 testing sites next week at a handful of locations in Vancouver Public Schools have been put on hold, according to a Wednesday press release from the school district.
In a Tuesday press release, Embry Health announced the health care provider would open sites at five schools in the coming weeks. It also said it hoped to expand the operation to 22 schools across the district by Jan. 3.
However, Vancouver Public Schools has since said it is exploring partnerships to expand its current COVID-19 testing capability and has not yet finalized a partnership with Embry Health or any other providers. The district said the information from Embry Health was released prematurely.
Vancouver Public Schools spokeswoman Pat Nuzzo said Wednesday that the district will announce the opening date for such testing sites in the coming days or weeks when a formal deal with a provider is reached.
In the meantime, Vancouver Public Schools will continue offering free testing for current students and staff members at the Jim Parsley Center, 4040 Plomondon St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
