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Dear Superintendents and School Leaders,
I'm writing with updates on several COVID-19-related items that have arisen since my last message.
Governor Announces Forthcoming End to COVID-19 State of Emergency
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the COVID-19 State of Emergency will end on Feb. 28, 2023. According to a press release, “This timeline gives the health care system needed flexibility to handle any potential surge that may occur after the holidays in January and February, in addition to providing state and local partners the time needed to prepare for this phaseout and set themselves up for success afterwards.”
No further details have been shared by the state; we will share additional information about what this means for schools as it becomes available.
Post-School Break COVID-19 Testing — Order Tests by Oct. 21
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is continuing to provide access to no-cost, over-the-counter/at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for testing students and school staff returning from Thanksgiving/fall break. California encourages all students and staff to test for COVID-19 before they return to school following the break. Students and staff that test positive should stay home. School district, charter schools, and private schools can request tests directly from the CDPH using the CDPH/Lab Support Order Form. Schools should request two tests per student and staff (test kits often have two tests per kit). To ensure that tests are delivered in time, schools should place their orders no later than this Friday, Oct. 21.
Thank you for all that you do. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Paul
Dr. Paul Gothold
San Diego County Superintendent of Schools
email: paul.gothold@sdcoe.net
phone: 858-295-6641
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