Spring has sprung and everyone seems to be out and about again with sports, activities, and travel. It’s been nice for our family to get back to church in person, to participate in theater and baseball, and to have friends over to swim in our pool! We remember how different it felt when we couldn’t do any of those things. As we head closer to summer break it’s easy to let our guard down about COVID-19 safety precautions.
However, we still need to be careful. I received an email from our elementary school principal several weeks ago that there was a positive case in one of my child’s classes. It was a reminder that we are not out of the woods yet. That’s why it’s important for all of us to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by doing what we can.
On-Campus Testing Sites as a Tool Against Community Spread
The Houston Health Department School Testing Program is one tool that we can use to fight against possible outbreaks among family members and our community. Families of school-aged children in Houston ISD and Aldine ISD, as well as staff members, can use free on-campus testing sites at many campuses this school year.
Typically, the program is offered in schools in communities with high COVID-19 transmission and low vaccination rates. Schools with testing change based on factors including the number of students with infections, wastewater data, etc.
When a school is scheduled, a letter is sent home to parents with information on how to register. We all get a lot of paperwork in those folders that come home in our kids’ backpacks, so please be sure to look through and see whether you’ve received a consent form and registration instructions from your child’s school. If you’re unsure whether your child’s school offers the program, contact them and ask about it.
What Happens During On-Campus Testing?
Participating in the school testing program is easy and convenient since it happens during the school day. Sometimes kids are nervous about getting tested. Admittedly, that long swab can be pretty intimidating! Your kids will be glad to know that the PCR tests are conducted with a shallow nose swab that goes only half to three-quarters of an inch into the nose. It’s definitely not the “brain tickler” that we had heard about.
The swab is rotated three times in each nostril and then it’s done. You can rest assured that qualified medical professionals will administer the swabs. The tests are conducted in a certified lab and you can expect results within one day. Your test results are only shared for public health purposes in accordance with applicable law and policies protecting privacy and the security of data.
Where Can I Find More Information About School On-Campus Testing?
For more information and details about On-Campus Testing, click on the resource links below:
Houston ISD
Aldine ISD
Note: The Houston Health Department is partnering with Aldine ISD for a community event on May 18, 2022 at 5:30 PM. Parents can express concerns and ask questions about pediatric COVID-19 vaccination. The event takes place at Burbank Middle School, located at 315 Berry Rd, Houston, TX 77022.
Houston Health Department
houstonhealth.org or 832-393-4220
Moms, this spring let’s all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 so we can continue doing activities, getting together with friends, and making plans for an awesome summer with our kids! If your child is eligible for on-campus testing, please take advantage of this incredible resource to help your family and your community!
Pin this post and be sure to follow
Houston Moms
on Pinterest!
