The distribution of at-home antigen (rapid) COVID-19 tests for students is underway for K-12 public school districts and charter schools in San Bernardino County.
On Dec. 22., Gov. Newsom announced approximately six million at-home rapid tests would be provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for all K-12 public school students in California.
“Testing continues to be a valuable mitigation strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our schools open,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “We had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of these at-home test kits from the state. Now that they are here, I am proud of how our staff swiftly set into motion the plans developed in collaboration with our district and charter partners to get them distributed as quickly as possible.”
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) received its allocation of nearly 400,000 iHealth test kits on Jan. 8 from CDPH. Each iHealth test kit includes two tests.
Upon learning the state’s plan to issue the tests, SBCSS immediately worked to organize a distribution plan to administer the hundreds of thousands of test kits. The 33 public school districts and charters within the county have also begun distributing test kits to their students.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, these at-home test kits can offer a safe, quick and convenient way for students to monitor their health and help to reduce transmission. Per the Office of the Governor, the use of these test kits is voluntary. If opting to use the test kits, students/families are advised to read the safety precautions and directions carefully.
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