Before classroom education resumes following the winter break, West Contra Costa Unified School District Superintendent Doctor Chris Hurst moves to stop a virus outbreak on school premises, KRON4 reported.
He said: “We want to make sure we keep a safe environment.”
On Sunday morning, hundreds of residents wait in their cars to receive at-home COVID-19 testing kits.
The measure to cover every student and employee on COVID-19 testing will ensure that no one reports back to school without knowing if they are positive for the virus or not.
“People are very nervous about the omicron strand, so we wanted to make sure that we address that with passing out the kits now and testing before you come to school tomorrow.”
Students and school employees are requested by officials to be tested and input their test results on the district’s online portal before heading back to school grounds.
If the test turns out positive, the student or the employee is asked to inform the school and to stay home.
Testing protocols in other districts are also being done following an increase in COVID cases.
The Alvarado Elementary School in Richmond is among the locations that COVID-19 testing will be offered to start Tuesday.
The same can also be availed at the parking space at the district’s office also in Richmond; and another in Hercules-Pinole area.
From Monday through Friday, students and employees can get tested several times as they wish provided that they secure an appointment.
Testing is currently available once a week at school locations.
“So if families or kids want to get tested again, more than once a week, then we’re encouraging them to go to those three sites that we have throughout the district.”
Most of the testing sites will continue their operations for three weeks unless the spike in COVID cases continues.
