Explanation of Test
The testing method is a quick nasal swab of both nostrils. It is found to be fast and painless. (It is NOT the deep-sinus swabs that some individuals have found uncomfortable.) The testing method involves inserting a small swab, like a Q-Tip, into the front of the nose in both nostrils. Results will be available in 15 minutes. The test is administered by either the Certified School Nurse. The parent/guardian listed on this consent will be notified on the day that their student was tested. All results will be communicated to the student’s parent/guardian.

Testing Guidance

-- Symptomatic Testing: As a reminder, as a parent/guardian you should evaluate your child for COVID-19 symptoms every morning before leaving for school and to keep your child home if they do not pass the morning pre-entry health screening. If your child develops symptoms of illness associated with COVID-19 infection during the school day, your child will be tested. Symptoms include: Fever of 100.4℉ or greater, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, new or persistent cough, new loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing

-- Test to Play (REQUIRED): In accordance with guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), students participating in Athletics will be required to test weekly. Athletic testing will include high-contact sports only (basketball). Students who are vaccinated may opt out of weekly testing with proof of COVID full vaccination status. Those who do not consent to weekly asymptomatic testing will not be allowed to participate in the aforementioned sports.

-- Test to Stay (OPTIONAL): We will implement a test to stay model after the identification of a positive case. This model allows students in the cohort to be tested on 2 non-consecutive days after exposure (days 1 and 3). Vaccinated individuals in the cohort who are asymptomatic will be allowed to stay in school and do not have to take a test or quarantine. Unvaccinated students are tested on days 1 and 3 and remain in school as long as they test negative and do not develop symptoms.

**Parents may choose to opt-out of the “test to stay” model. In this case, unvaccinated students must complete the full 10-day quarantine OR may return with a negative test result 5-7 days following the exposure date. Please note: the school WILL NOT provide rapid tests to students who have opted out of the test-to-stay program; tests must be taken elsewhere. Students in quarantine will be provided with a live stream of instruction (this is not a hybrid model).**

Please contact your school nurse with any questions.