Final Reminder: K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project Opt-In Deadline
| Date: | January 7, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Final Reminder: K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project Opt-In Deadline |
| Category: | COVID-19 Testing Opt-in Opportunity |
| Next Steps: | Determine eligibility and opt in if interested by January 15, 2021 |
As of January 15, 2021, school systems will no longer be able to opt in to the K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project to receive Abbott BinaxNOW rapid tests.
School systems interested in opting-in to receive the rapid tests must submit either an application for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) or private schools by the January 15, 2021 deadline.
School systems that have already opted in will continue to receive their allocations per the distribution methodology posted on the COVID-19 website of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). We strongly encourage you to continue to use the test kits, as many of the tests distributed have an expiration date, some as early as February 2021.
Overview of the K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project:
In partnership with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), TEA launched the K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Any local education agency (LEA) or private school system is eligible to opt in to receive test kits and associated personal protective equipment (PPE) by attesting to providing on-campus instruction to all students who wish to attend on campus.The tests are provided at no cost to schools that meet the eligibility requirements and can be used for students or campus staff; however, use cannot be mandated.
Schools can review the opt-in application before submission; additional guidance and FAQs are available on TEA’s COVID-19 website and the TDEM K-12 Testing website.
The Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Test is administered by a certified test administrator. Results are provided in 15 minutes. These tests are highly accurate, with accuracy rates of 97-98 percent for symptomatic individuals.
As the TSA Hospitalization Percentage changes, the test allocation methodology will be adjusted monthly to reflect those changes. It will also adjust the allocations to school systems accordingly the following month. Schools can review their current allocation numbers on the K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project page.
For additional information, please email COVIDCaseReport@tea.texas.gov