School-Based COVID-19 Testing Information & Resources
The USC COVID-19 Pandemic Response Center (CPRC) has partnered with the City of Los Angles, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and multiple schools in Southern California on a research project to understand the best uses of Rapid Antigen Testing in schools. Through our research and implementing pilot testing programs, we learned about the concerns of parents, teachers, students, and administrators with rapid antigen testing. Here are templates and resources for how you might effectively address these concerns and build confidence in your Rapid Antigen Testing program.
Screening for COVID-19 infection in schools is important because it can allow for early identification of cases to prevent transmission among students. We understand implementing testing can be daunting, so here is a guide on how to implement effective and sustainable COVID-19 screening!
The COVID-19 Pandemic is rapidly changing. As the pandemic evolves, school safety protocols and recommendations are also rapidly changing. Click below to find out the most up-to-date information and guidance for school safety according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommendations.
After understanding the most up-to-date safety recommendations you may decide whether or not to incorporate COVID-19 testing in your school/district safety plans. If you decide to incorporate COVID-19 testing, you will need to decide to use PCR or Rapid Antigen Testing. Below are resources to help you decide which test is best for your school/district.
Once you have decided to incorporate COVID-19 testing in your safety protocols, you will need to follow a few steps to create a plan and prepare for testing. Please click on the link below to redirect you to the California School Testing webpage. Here you can find the next steps to begin PCR or Rapid Antigen Testing.
NOTE: Governor Newsom and State Superintendent Thurmond have secured 5 million free Rapid Antigen Tests for California schools. If you are a school/district interested in Rapid Antigen Testing please email schoolbinax@cdph.ca.gov or complete this interest form: HERE
No matter what test you choose, the state of California has partnered with Valencia Labs (PCR) and Primary Health (Rapid Antigen Tests) to help schools with data reporting at no cost to schools/districts.
Some Rapid Antigen Tests require a CLIA waiver. A CLIA waiver assures that there is appropriate supervision by a physician or laboratory director when using a specific test. The California Department of Public Health has obtained a state-wide CLIA waiver for all schools who wish to use Rapid Antigen Testing. If you have any additional questions, please email SchoolBinax@cdph.ca.gov.
