FAQs

No. Testing is not required but the VDH strongly recommends COVID-19 testing to help keep students healthy and schools open.

FREE!!! There is no cost to participate in the COVID testing program at your designated school and you do not need to have insurance.

Once the parent/guardian consent form is signed, the student will be tested at the schools designated testing area by Mako Medical Laboratories and then begin their school day.

If an individual in a school tests positive for COVID-19, the individual should self-isolate away from school for 10 days after the start of the illness (or testing date) or otherwise follow the direction of the local public health department. The schools should work with the local public health department to conduct contact tracing and identify necessary public health actions, as appropriate. A positive pool result will automatically reflex to follow-up individual PCR testing for all students in that pool within 24 hours of positive notification.

Results will be available to parents/guardians within 24 hours via email or text. You will be asked to enter your personal information once you are in the easily accessible portal

The student's guardian will receive the test results along with the school's appointed nurse or healthcare professional.

Our program provides weekly testing, but we will work with each school district individually to assess the best timetable.

Yes, consent forms for parents and guardians to complete and sign are required to participate in the program. These forms will come directly from your school.

Trained school or potentially MAKO will administer the tests on-site at school, using an FDA approved test to detected SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This is a personal decision that needs to be made carefully but VDH strongly encourages school districts and parents to enroll in the program for the 2021-2022 school year. Testing is a crucial measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but is not required. Check out these stats!

• Identify groups for testing (e.g., all students, all staff, specific extracurricular programs
• Coordinate the collection of student/staff consent forms
• Provide space and time for testing
• Implement any containment/mitigation guidance
• Comply with reporting requirements

Yes! These may include school-based nurses and administrative support staff. Also, schools may request funds for any technology, supply, or infrastructure needs that will support testing, such as tents to conduct outdoor testing or technology to facilitate reporting.