Fairfax County Public Schools has announced in a news release on October 28 that COVID-19 screening testing for students, including student-athletes, will begin November 15. The adjustment is to allow FCPS and its contractors sufficient time to ensure all components, including the portals, are up and running and staff are fully trained.
The statement acknowledges that many student-athletes are currently in the middle of their two-dose cycle, so adding additional time for testing to begin will allow those students to complete their vaccinations. Students are eligible to try out for their sport if they have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In order to streamline the process for families who have to register multiple students, the start date for all student screening testing has been moved. Information about how to preregister and provide consent for COVID-19 testing through a secure online portal will be announced in a separate communication soon.
- Screening testing is optional for students and parent/guardian consent is required for students to be tested.
- Student-athletes participating in VHSL winter and spring sports or other activities requiring a physical are required to be vaccinated or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends school-based testing to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to keep schools open safely. FCPS will begin screening testing for staff on November 1 as originally scheduled.
For more information, visit the COVID-19 Screening Testing webpage.
Source: FCPS Press Release