In February, Jackson-Reed received a contact tracer to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

Layla Gage partners with Shield T-3, the company in control of COVID-19 testing, to plan and coordinate the logistics and communication around COVID-19 at Jackson-Reed. While Gage is in charge of practically everything COVID-19 related, she does not have the authority to change COVID-19 procedures at Jackson-Reed. 

Before Gage arrived, administrators and staff covered all COVID-related responsibilities. With Gage’s arrival, staff can “direct their focus on school matters and other student-related issues.”

The Beacon sat down with Gage to learn about her role as Jackson-Reed’s first COVID-19 tracer.

Q: What will your role be?

A: My role at Wilson High School is a COVID-19 Facilitator and I am responsible for making the roster for weekly Asymptomatic Testing for students, to ensure that Wilson meets the 20% compliance for testing. I am the point of contact for all suspected, close contact and confirmed COVID-19 cases for both staff and students. If staff or students have any questions or concerns related to COVID-19, I will provide them with answers and if I’m unable to give them an answer, I will find out what the answer is. I partner with the Patient Care Technicians (PCT), those are the individuals you see at the entrance of the building and in the Health Isolation Room (HIR) which is in room 108B. 

Q: How will you interact with the students?

A: I follow up with students and families to ensure everyone understands the process and that I am here to offer my support. I partner with Shield T-3 testers on Tuesdays and Fridays for asymptomatic testing, so students and staff will see me pop in and out of the auditorium on those days to ensure that all testing runs smoothly.

Q: How will your role impact Jackson-Reed?

A: I hope that all my efforts will allow everyone to feel free to come to me when they are unsure of the protocols and procedures that are in place by my superiors as well as DC Health, regarding COVID-19. I want everyone to know that they are not in this alone and that I’m here to help in any capacity that I can.

Q: Why is it important to have a COVID-19 Facilitator at Jackson-Reed?

A: It is important to have a COVID-19 Facilitator on site to help lighten the load of other school officials, so that they can direct their focus on school matters and other student related issues.

Students and staff can reach Gage at any time in room 108B Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. She can also be reached via phone at 202-807-6598 and emailed at layla.gage@k12.dc.gov. •