Important update: Healthcare facilities
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UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
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UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

School Testing for COVID-19

School Testing for COVID-19
Updated Mar. 24, 2022
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It’s critical that K-12 schools implement safety measures to keep schools open and students and staff healthy and safe from COVID-19. One key measure is regular COVID-19 testing in schools.

When used with vaccination, physical distancing, and properly wearing a mask, regular COVID-19 testing in schools can:

  • Help reduce community spread of COVID-19, keeping schools open and students in classrooms, and protecting students and staff.
  • Serve as an early warning to help schools identify COVID-19 cases early and stop an outbreak before it starts.
  • Provide access to COVID-19 tests for families who may not be able to get them otherwise.
  • Increase confidence among students, parents, and school staff around continuing in-person learning and other activities.

CDC urges you to implement COVID-19 testing programs at schools within your district and support and encourage program participation among parents and staff.

covid test icon Learn more about Testing for COVID-19 in Schools

Find tools and resources to start and support school-based testing:

Communication Toolkit for Schools

This toolkit includes materials that school administrators can use to help promote regular COVID-19 testing programs and encourage participation among parents, students, and school staff. Many of these materials are customizable and can be adapted according to the school’s needs.

info circle light icon For STLT Health Departments, Visit the Communication Resource Center for additional customizable school COVID-19 testing materials.

Videos to Answer Common Questions

Short videos that answer common questions about regular school testing for COVID-19. Use these links to go directly to these videos to download or share.

Questions and answers about regular testing for COVID-19 at school
What are some ways you can keep your child healthy at school?
Why is it important for your child to participate in regular COVID-19 testing at school?
How does your child benefit from school-based COVID-19 testing?
What will your child’s testing experience be like?
What should you do if your child tests positive for COVID-19?

Customizable Letters and Q&As

Letters

Letters explaining school testing for parents and staff.

Letter for Parents

Letter for Staff

Questions & Answers

Sample Q&As to answer questions on school testing from parents and staff.

FAQs for Parents

FAQs for Staff

Sample Social Media

Sample social media messages and graphics targeting parents and school staff. School districts and health departments can adapt these messages for their locations and needs.

See social media messages and graphics

Printable Posters & Flyers

Sample posters and flyers targeting parents, students, and school staff

young AA boy smiling
Why I Support School Testing (Poster):

Poster for school administrators promoting COVID-19 testing at school.

File details: 4 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon

mother holding older child from behind
Why I Support School COVID-19 Testing (Poster):

Poster for parents promoting COVID-19 testing at school

File details: 1 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Poster
Recess Is More Fun With Friends (Poster):

Poster for parents promoting COVID-19 testing at school.

File details: 1 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon
Spanishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Poster
P.E. Is More Fun With Friends (Poster):

Poster for students promoting COVID-19 testing at school.

File details: 7 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon
Spanishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Poster
School is Better at School (Poster):

Poster for parents promoting COVID-19 testing at school.

File details: 1 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Poster
School is Better at School (Poster):

Poster for teachers promoting COVID-19 testing at school.

File details: 1 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Poster
School is More Fun with Friends (Poster):

Poster for students promoting COVID-19 testing at school.

File details: 5 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon
Spanishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Poster
It’s More Fun Playing With Friends (Poster):

Poster for students promoting COVID-19 testing at school.

File details: 3 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon
Spanishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Flyer
School COVID-19 Testing Program (Flyer):

Flyer for parents with information on school COVID-19 testing programs.

File details: 2 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon
Spanishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Flyer
School COVID-19 Testing Program (Flyer):

Flyer for school staff with information on school COVID-19 testing programs.

File details: 1 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Flyer
You Don’t Want Kids Bringing COVID-19 Home (Flyer):

Flyer for parents with information on school COVID-19 testing programs.

File details: 5 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon
Spanishpdf icon

CDC COVID School Testing Campaign Flyer
COVID-19 School Testing (Flyer):

Flyer for teachers with information on school COVID-19 testing programs.

File details: 7 MB, 1 page
View PDF in:
Englishpdf icon

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