Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
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
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Sample Letters for Schools

Sample Letters for Schools
Updated Nov. 8, 2021

School districts and schools can use the sample letters below to share information on school COVID-19 testing programs with parents and staff. Customize the letters as needed to include information specific to your school testing program. Highlighted content indicates information that may be tailored based on a school’s needs. Letters are also available in Microsoft Word format.

Letter for Parents

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians,

We know that last year was tough, but we’re excited to get back in the classroom this fall. We are committed to taking the steps necessary to help us have a safe return to school. As part of steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our school open for in-person learning, we will offer a free COVID-19 Testing Program for students and staff at [school name]. Regular testing will help protect our students, staff, family members, and others who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 or are otherwise at risk for getting seriously sick from COVID-19.

Through this program, we will be able to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and early, which can help us stop an outbreak before it happens. This will help us keep students in the classroom and able to take part in the school activities they love.

We are working with our [state/local] health department and are joining other school districts throughout the state that offer this program.

  • Who will be tested? We will offer testing to everyone—all students and staff—even if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19.
    • [If applicable] Testing is also available for students and staff who have symptoms of COVID-19, even if vaccinated, or who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
  • How is the testing done? The COVID-19 testing is free, quick, and easy. Members of our school staff will oversee testing with [either a NAAT/PCR or antigen] test, which includes:
    • [For nasal tests] Gently swabbing the inner part of the lower nostril. This test is not painful. We do not use the longer swabs that reach higher into the nose. 
    • [For saliva tests:] A saliva sample.
  • Where and when is the testing done? Our school’s testing site will be [in the auditorium / in the cafeteria / in the gymnasium] and will take place [weekly/regularly]. Results will be available within [test turnaround time].
  • How can I be sure that my child’s information will be protected? Sharing of information about your child will only be done for public health purposes and in accordance with applicable law and policies protecting student privacy and the security of your child’s data.

This letter asks your permission for us to:

  • regularly test your child as part of a free COVID-19 testing program at school, and
  • test your child if they show symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a person with COVID-19 while in school.  

To learn more or register your child, please [visit link, call XXX-XXX-XXXX, email [email protected]].

We are extremely grateful to our committed families and staff who continue to show great flexibility and resilience as we work together to contain the spread of this virus. If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 Testing Program, please reach out to [your school nurse / your administrator / your contact].

Sincerely,

[School official]

[School contact information]

CDC recommends everyone 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination providers near you.

Letter for School Staff

Dear Teachers and Staff,

We know that last year was tough, but we’re excited to get back in the classroom this fall. We are committed to taking the steps necessary to help us have a safe return to school. As part of steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our school open for in-person learning, we will offer a free COVID-19 Testing Program for students and staff at [school name]. Regular testing will help protect you, our students, staff, family members, and others who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 or are otherwise at risk for getting seriously sick from COVID-19.

Through this program, we will be able to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and early, which can help us stop an outbreak before it happens. This will help us keep students in the classroom and able to take part in the school activities they love.

We are working with our [state/local] health department and are joining other school districts throughout the state that offer this program.

  • Who will be tested? We will offer testing to everyone—all students and staff—even if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19.
    • [If applicable] Testing is also available for students and staff who have symptoms of COVID-19, even if vaccinated, or who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
  • How is the testing done? The COVID-19 testing is free, quick, and easy. Members of our school staff will oversee testing with [either a NAAT/PCR or antigen] test, which includes:
    • [For nasal tests] Gently swabbing the inner part of the lower nostril. This test is not painful. We do not use the longer swabs that reach higher into the nose.
    • [For saliva tests:] A saliva sample.
  • Where and when is the testing done? Our school’s testing site will be [in the auditorium / in the cafeteria / in the gymnasium] and will take place [weekly/regularly]. Results will be available within [test turnaround time].
  • How can I be sure that my information will be protected? Sharing of information will only be done for public health purposes and in accordance with applicable law and policies protecting your privacy and the security of your data.

This letter asks you to consent to:

  • take part in regular, free testing as part of [school name] COVID-19 Testing Program, and
  • [if applicable] get tested if you show symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a person with COVID-19 while at work.

To learn more or register, please [visit link, call XXX-XXX-XXXX, email [email protected]].

We are extremely grateful to our committed staff and families who continue to show great flexibility and resilience as we work together to contain the spread of this virus. If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 Testing Program, please reach out to [your school nurse / administrator / contact].

Sincerely,

[School official]

[School contact information]

CDC recommends everyone 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination providers near you.