Rockford schools: COVID-19 vaccines or weekly tests required for sports, activities

ROCKFORD — Rockford Public Schools will require all middle and high school students who participate in extracurricular activities to either receive the COVID-19 vaccine or participate in weekly COVID testing at their school.

Rockford Public Schools made the announcement Monday evening. The requirement will go into effect Nov. 15.

According to the district, "the goal is to keep students healthy, minimize interruptions and stop the spread of COVID-19."

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This requirement includes all students and all activities including athletics, clubs, fine arts and before and after-school activities, the district said in a media advisory.

Earlier this school year, the district offered to pay students $100 to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. About 1,300 students signed up for the incentive program as of Sept. 30.

Roughly 13,685 students are enrolled at the secondary level in Rockford Public Schools, or about half of the district's 26,672 students.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford sports, activities require COVID vaccines or weekly tests