The parent-led COVID-19 Testing for Students Committee — with the support of PUSD — is set to roll out the first pilot COVID-testing of asymptomatic students on Tuesday, March 6.
An initial sign-up form was sent to PUSD TK-6th grade families, and over 100 families signed up for the program. The pilot COVID-19 test will be a PCR saliva test administered by the Richmond-based diagnostics company, DiaCarta, Inc. The pilot testing is offered to students that have already returned to campus for hybrid learning. The goal of this pilot run is to offer a convenient COVID-19 test, to learn the details of the process, to receive feedback from families participating in this pilot test, and to share the results with the community.
On Tuesday March 6, with the help of over 40 parent volunteers, the enrolled PUSD families will receive the DiaCarta PCR test at their specific school site. Families will take the test home, assist their children in completing the saliva test, and return the tests to drop-off bins at their site on Wednesday March 7. Results are expected back by Thursday March 8. In most cases the test will be covered by each family’s health insurance. In the event it is not covered by insurance, families are expected to cover the cost of the test. According to PUSD, the district pays for teacher and staff testing, and will pay for student testing if a student has been exposed.
The COVID-19 Testing for Students Committee committee is working with the approval and full support of PUSD. The goal is for the entire school community to feel safe. While work is ongoing to make this a convenient way for our community to get tested, please don’t wait to get tested through other providers.
For the over 100 families participating in this pilot test run, please provide feedback here. If you have any questions or would like to join the COVID-19 Testing for Students Committee, please email piedmonttesting@gmail.com.