April 28, 2021
As one part of our strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community, we will run a comprehensive testing program for students and staff in our buildings.
Testing Program
At this point, we will test 10% of students, and all unvaccinated staff per week, whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms. This is called asymptomatic (or surveillance) testing. All staff are required to be tested. All students are highly encouraged to participate in testing. Families must opt-out of the testing program, and should contact their campus front office for more information.
Process
Testing will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays. And each week we will assign a random 10% sample for testing. All tests will be overseen by a nurse and our staff will be available to support students during this process. Our goal is to help all students remain calm and comfortable, especially for our youngest students. You will receive your testing schedule in the coming days.
Test Administration
During their scheduled times, students will visit our COVID-testing room, and a nurse will oversee the test. Families and the school will receive student test results within 48-72 hours. If your student is not present on their scheduled testing day, they can report to the testing room on the first day they return between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for a “make-up” test.
Reporting a COVID-19 Case
In addition to our weekly screening tests, all in-person staff, students, and visitors MUST report positive cases of COVID-19 to us as soon as possible. When we learn of a positive test result, either directly from an individual, or of a case on campus, we will contact the DC Department of Health, any close contacts of the individual who tested positive, and share appropriate information with our broader community.
If your student receives a positive COVID-19 test result you should fill out THIS FORM or call our front office immediately. We will need to know: the name and classroom assignment of your student who has tested positive; the date of the positive test; the last date your student was in the school; and, any “close contacts” your student had on that day. We will follow up with you directly, as should DC Health, with any specific instructions.
A close contact is someone who was within 3 feet of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes (cumulative) over a 24-hour period, while the person was infectious. Our team will inform you of the situation, and any other information as instructed by DC Health, including, but not limited to: quarantine requirements, symptom monitoring, testing requirements, and other next steps. We will not share specific details about the individual who tested positive.
Informing our Community of COVID-19 Cases
Once we notify all “close contacts,” we will inform the broader campus communities of the positive COVID case at the school campus level.
Testing is just one of the many strategies we will use to combat the spread of COVID-19 in our buildings. In addition, all students and staff will complete the mandatory daily health screenings via SchoolPass, we will maintain social distancing, use masks, as well as filter our air and clean all high-touch surfaces in the buildings. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 testing, or any of the health and safety measures at our schools, you should contact Kristin Yochum, Senior Director of Operations (kyochum@elhaynes.org or 202-667-4446).