All students and staff at DC Public Schools (DCPS) are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before returning to classrooms on Wednesday, January 5.
The announcement came last week from DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, who cited “a safe return to school.”
Free rapid antigen tests will be available at DCPS schools and Test Yourself Express pickup sites on January 3 from 1 pm to 4 pm and January 4 from 8:30 am to 4 pm.
Families have to upload their kid’s COVID-19 test results on the school system’s website by 4 pm on Tuesday, January 4, after the student gets tested on the same day.
DCPS also accepts families’ own antigen or PCR tests as long as they were not administered before January 4.
“The health and safety of our community remain paramount as we prepare to welcome students and staff back to our schools,” Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said in a release. “As we have throughout the COVID-19 health crisis, DCPS will continue to follow the guidance of public health authorities and utilize all resources available to maintain in-person learning opportunities for our students.”
On Wednesday, January 5, DCPS schools will deny entry to students who have not submitted their coronavirus test results. Students who have uploaded negative test results to the system will be able to enter their schools.
When a student tests positive, their family should contact the school’s main office and follow DC Health’s isolation rules, according to officials.