News Update

California schools receive up to 3 million free rapid Covid tests

In an effort to boost the safe reopening of schools, California officials today announced plans to distribute up to 3 million rapid antigen Covid-19 tests to schools that primarily serve students who live in poverty.

“It’s imperative we get these tests — another valuable tool among many options to enable a safe return of children to the classroom — into the hands of those who may lack the access to testing or medical care,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “Being able to quickly identify who is positive, and who is not, will be critically important for day-to-day operations on a school campus and will help protect not only students but teachers and support staff.”

The rapid tests are free for selected schools and can be administered by any school staff member who has received training, which will be provided by the California Covid-19 Testing Taskforce. Results for most tests are available in just 15 minutes and can help schools identify individuals who do not or have yet to show symptoms of Covid-19.

The announcement comes about two months after the California Endowment, the Public Health Institute, and the California Covid-19 Testing Task Force ran a pilot program called Safely Opening Schools that used rapid testing at 11 school districts and more than 41,000 students.

The pilot supported the strategies highlighted by state health and education officials for safe school reopening, finding only 7 positive cases out of 3,256 tests conducted.

“Antigen testing is one testing component of a full suite of Covid-19 testing offered by California and the Covid-19 Testing Taskforce. I’m proud that we can expand access to some of our highest-need schools and communities in California,” California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly said.