All students and school staff at DC public schools must test negative for COVID before returning to campus after Thanksgiving break.
The tests are required despite COVID-19 vaccination being mandatory for students ages 12 and older and “highly encouraged” for younger students. Staff are also required to be vaccinated.
The school district is urging families to pick up COVID tests at their schools from November 17 through November 22.
Families are being told to test students on November 27 and upload their results to a school district website.
“To support a safe return from Thanksgiving break, all students and staff are expected to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Families should test their students and upload test results at DCPSstrong.com/testing on Sunday, November 27,” a notice at the top of the school district’s website reads.
According to the website, the school will have access to the results to confirm that the child tested negative.
“The test must be taken the day prior to returning from break, and the staff at your child’s school will have access to this information when you arrive at school,” the website explains.
Schools are also distributing tests in students’ backpacks.
The school district also posted about the new rule on social media.
“All DCPS students are expected to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered within 24 hours prior to their return to school on Monday, November 28. All students who return after November 28 will also be required to show proof of a negative test before their return,” the district’s website states.