District Offers Free ‘Rapid’ Antigen Testing for Employees and Students

Chula Vista, California – April 14th, 2021 – The District is collaborating with the County of San Diego, the State of California and Primary Health to offer free  “rapid” antigen testing that can provide results in as little as 15 minutes.

The antigen testing will be available to staff and students regularly over the next couple of months. Diagnostic tests that determine if someone has an active COVID-19 infection fall into two categories: antigen tests, which are mostly used for rapid testing, and molecular and PCR tests. Antigen tests, also called rapid diagnostic tests, detect specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus, and results are usually available within 15 minutes.

If an employee or student is experiencing symptoms, we highly recommend getting a PCR test at a free County facility or with a medical provider, and not reporting to the school for the antigen test. Unfortunately, the antigen tests used by CVESD cannot be used for return to work or school, per the County’s Symptom Decision Tree. The antigen testing program is for surveillance purposes, in order to quickly determine if individuals are positive and remove such individuals and their close contacts from campus as soon as possible.

During the week of April 12 – 16, testing hours at the Education Services and Support Center (84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910) will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Both staff and students can test at this location. At the ESSC, the District will provide on-demand testing, which means that we are accepting “walk-ins” — no appointments are necessary. Staff and parents of students will receive a personalized link to register and provide consent, via the phone number (text message) and email that the school has on record.

Starting on April 19, the District will begin a two-week rotation at each of our school sites to provide antigen testing opportunities, which will be by appointment. Employees and students will have the opportunity to make appointments at any CVESD school. In addition, staff members and students have the opportunity to test at the ESSC every Friday, if they are unable to attend their respective school’s testing date, or simply desire to be tested more frequently. Please see your site administrator for information on when COVID-19 testing will take place at your school. Reminders will be sent out prior to test days at your school.

The antigen testing is part of the District’s CVESD Safe!, a voluntary testing and tracing program to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The Chula Vista Elementary School District

The Chula Vista Elementary School District offers a rigorous 21st Century learning environment that is rooted in effective teaching practices and high-quality instruction. CVESD’s mission is to nurture every child’s imagination, intellect, and sense of inquiry. Working collaboratively, the district taps a collective intelligence rich with the spirit and creativity necessary for students to become difference makers. Located in southern San Diego County, the District’s 46 schools serve more than 29,600 students, primarily in grades K-6. The schools serve a vibrant, diverse community that features a blend of residential areas, recreational facilities, open space, and light industry.

Visit the Chula Vista Elementary School District website to learn more!