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Post-School-Break-Testing-for-COVID-19-- Post-School Break Testing for COVID-19

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​Note: This Guidance is no longer in effect and is for historical purposes only. ​​

Post-School Break Testing for COVID-19

August 1, 2022

​​California encourages all students to access at-home COVID-19 testing as they get ready for a safe return to school. Help your child prepare by following these four steps. 

Step 1: Get your testing materials  

  • Locate your testing materials from your school or district. A box of at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests may contain 1 or 2 tests.  

  • Your child's school may also offer on-site antigen testing. For more information on other testing options reach out to your school.  

  • If possible, have a device ready with internet access available, so that you can share your results with your local health department after you test.  

Step 2: Plan your test days  

  • You might receive specific instructions on which days to use your tests. If you can, test the day before returning to school after break. If students are already back from break, test now! Repeat test in 3 days. 

  • If your student gets sick with symptoms (like cough and fever), stay home and use your tests to see if it is COVID-19.  

  • Talk to your school if your child was exposed to someone with COVID-19.  

Step 3: Share your results  

Step 4: Understand your results  

Negative Test?  

  • If the student feels well and has no COVID-19 symptoms, return to school.  

  • If the student has symptoms or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19, please call your school before they return.  

Positive Test?  

  • Keep the student home from school and contact your doctor and your school right away.  

Unclear Test Results?  

  • Repeat test at school or at a local testing site.  

Any symptoms? Known exposure? If your student has any COVID-19 symptoms or was exposed to COVID-19, call the school  before they return. If your student is very sick: call 911, visit an emergency room, or call your doctor.