DeKalb County, GA — The DeKalb County School District is offering surveillance COVID-19 testing to families that opt-in.

The testing is not mandatory.

“The Free Testing Program is available to all students, even if they are fully vaccinated,”an email from the school district says. “Please click on the survey link below to complete the COVID-19 Surveillance Survey to indicate your interest in having your child participate in the program.  Remember, COVID-19 testing is not mandatory at this time.  If you choose to have your child participate, please answer YES on the survey, and you will be prompted to complete the Consent Form.  A Consent Form must be on file to take advantage of the services.”

Here is the full announcement from DeKalb County Schools:

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

The Department of Student Health Services in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health is excited to bring Surveillance Testing to our district!  Surveillance testing is a safe, effective way to limit the spread of COVID -19 and continue to keep schools open for in-person learning. COVID-19 testing is not mandatory and is being offered to protect students, staff, family members, and our community. Weekly school-based and district-wide testing will quickly detect, trace, and isolate COVID-19 positive individuals. Following recommendation guidance will also reduce further exposure. The current safety measures in place, combined with testing for staff and students, will lower the risk of transmission and allow more consistent access to in-person instruction for our students.

What is the test? 

The testing is a nasal swab test (a short swab no longer than a typical Q-Tip) and takes only a few seconds to collect.   The testing will be conducted by an approved testing provider through the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The Free Testing Program is available to all students, even if they are fully vaccinated.  Please click on the survey link below to complete the COVID-19 Surveillance Survey to indicate your interest in having your child participate in the program.  Remember, COVID-19 testing is not mandatory at this time.  If you choose to have your child participate, please answer YES on the survey, and you will be prompted to complete the Consent Form.  A Consent Form must be on file to take advantage of the services.    

Click here or scan the QR code to access the COVID-19 Surveillance link: https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/GNj8o7

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