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Dear Families,
Thank you again for your partnership and support as we prepare for our staggered reopening of campus. This email contains important information about COVID-19 testing for students.
COVID-19 Surveillance Testing for Teachers, Staff and Students
SDJA is prioritizing COVID-19 testing as a way to minimize the risk of transmission and re-closure of our campus. All SDJA employees who are regularly on campus will be tested for COVID-19 at periodic intervals. Thanks to a generous donor, the first round of employee testing was performed in mid-August when our campus first re-opened to essential teachers and staff.
COVID-19 testing for our students is not required. However, we strongly encourage all SDJA students to be tested prior to returning for in-person learning to help protect our community from an outbreak.
For students in grades Kindergarten through 5th who are returning next week, we have arranged for community testing on the SDJA campus this Friday, September 4th, during the hours of 8AM - 1PM. Once you reserve a spot (see below), you may walk-in at your convenience during these hours, and family members of these students are also invited.
The community testing will be conducted by Covid Clinic, the same private clinic that performed testing for SDJA employees. The type of test offered is the FDA approved Rapid Antigen Test. A specimen is collected via nasal test swab (less invasive than other types of tests) and results are provided within 60 minutes. The cost of the test is $150 per individual, and may be covered by insurance depending on your health plan. Additional details about Covid Clinic and the test being offered can be found here.
If you are interested in participating in this Friday's community testing event, you must send an e-mail to [email protected] by 5PM this Wednesday. Include your student(s) name, and the names of other family members who will be tested. Once we determine the number of interested participants, we will confirm additional details with you.
Other Testing Alternatives
If you are unable to join the community testing on Friday, you can easily book an appointment with Covid Clinic at its downtown, La Mesa or Chula Vista drive through locations. This can be done using the link above.
Additionally, testing is offered at several nearby locations including:
You may also contact your primary healthcare provider about obtaining a COVID-19 test prior to returning to school. If you are unable to get a test from your healthcare provider, the County of San Diego has coordinated free diagnostic COVID-19 testing at many locations.
Here's information on testing in San Diego County, including places to find free testing.
Flu Season and Shot
Flu season complicates COVID-19 testing efforts because both ailments can have similar symptoms. Considering this, health experts caution that it's more important than ever to get a flu shot. They suggest getting your shot in September or October because flu viruses circulate in mid- to late-October and it takes a couple weeks to build up antibodies.
We are strongly encouraging all students to get immunized against influenza in September or October, unless contradicted by personal medical conditions, to help protect our school community and reduce demands on local health care facilities.
Thank you,
Re-Opening Task Force
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