D.C. Public Schools students must take a COVID-19 test and submit the results Wednesday before classes resume Thursday, officials say.
“Students who have not provided proof of a negative test result will not be permitted to attend school until they provide proof of a negative test result. Tests must be administered within 24 hours of returning to school,” DCPS said.
Every school is set to hand out test kits Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Results should be submitted to an online portal by 5 p.m. However, DCPS says some caregivers encountered technical difficulties with the portal.
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Families who can't use the portal can use one of these options, according to DCPS:
- Students can bring a signed note from their parent or guardian, stating that the child was tested on Wednesday, January 5, and that the test was negative. This can be typed or handwritten.
- Students can show a photo of a negative test on their phone or the phone of their parent or guardian.
- Students can bring a screenshot or printout of a negative test result email.
Staff are also subject to the testing requirement.
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
A massive snowstorm has impacted the testing program. Schools are opening two hours later than originally planned for test distribution, DCPS announced.
DCPS says to report any positive tests to your child’s school.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the winter break testing program in December as a response to surging COVID-19 cases. Here’s an FAQ on the winter break testing program.
Tests can also be picked up at library sites in all eight wards. Here’s where to find them.
