FAQs

In order to enroll, you will need to complete this spreadsheet (download .xls file). The Spreadsheet has four tabs:

• Instructions — this tab will detail the requested items on the District Info and School List tabs
• District Info — required information about the school district – if this is for a single school (i.e. NOT part of a school district, then just enter “N/A” for the District Name – be sure to click on Row #3 (the yellow row) to enter your data.
• School Name – this is the tab where you will list all schools in the district that will be enrolling in this program. Please ONLY list the ones that are definitely enrolling in the COVID-19 testing program – you can always add more schools later if needed.
• County List – this is just for the drop-down choices – you do not need to do anything with this tab
• NOTE: To search for your district and school NCES ID, please visit: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/ (link opens in new tab)

After completing the spreadsheet, email the completed spreadsheet as an attachment (please do NOT send the file as a link to SharePoint or other site) to covid-k12-testing@dph.ga.gov

No. Testing is not required but the Georgia DPH strongly recommends COVID-19 testing to help keep students healthy and schools open.

FREE!!! There is no cost to participate in the COVID testing program at your designated school and you do not need to have insurance.

Once the parent/guardian consent form is signed, the student will be tested at the schools designated testing area by Mako Medical Laboratories and then begin their school day.

If an individual in a school tests positive for COVID-19, the individual should self-isolate away from school for 10 days after the start of the illness (or testing date) or otherwise follow the direction of the local public health department. The schools should work with the local public health department to conduct contact tracing and identify necessary public health actions, as appropriate

Results will be available to parents/guardians within 24 hours via email or text. You will be asked to enter your personal information once you are in the easily accessible portal

The student's guardian will receive the test results along with the school's appointed nurse or healthcare professional.

Our program provides weekly testing, but we will work with each school district individually to assess the best timetable.

Yes, consent forms for parents and guardians to complete and sign are required to participate in the program. These forms will come directly from your school.

The rapid COVID test is administered by anterior nares nasal swab (Swirls around the nostril and does not touch the brain!) The rapid antigen test can return results showing whether the tested is infected with acute COVID-19 the same day.

The PCR test is the gold standard. With a simple tickle of the nose, your student can have the most sensitive and accurate test performed and resulted delivered within 24 hours

Trained school or potentially MAKO will administer the tests on-site at school, using an FDA approved test to detected SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This is a personal decision that needs to be made carefully but KDPH strongly encourages school districts and parents to enroll in the program for the 2021-2022 school year. Testing is a crucial measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but is not required. Check out these stats!

No, this is an opt-in program for school districts/schools.

Yes. This is an opt-in program for the schools and the students - it is the parents' choice to opt-in or not.

No, DPH has secured contracts for this.

Yes. The school chooses when the testing will occur.

Yes. Keep in mind, the athletics testing is only for high schools.

Vaccinated individuals may participate in the program.

Yes. In order to enroll, you will need to complete this spreadsheet (download .xls file). The Spreadsheet has four tabs:

• Instructions — this tab will detail the requested items on the District Info and School List tabs
• District Info — required information about the school district – if this is for a single school (i.e. NOT part of a school district, then just enter “N/A” for the District Name – be sure to click on Row #3 (the yellow row) to enter your data.
• School Name – this is the tab where you will list all schools in the district that will be enrolling in this program. Please ONLY list the ones that are definitely enrolling in the COVID-19 testing program – you can always add more schools later if needed.
• County List – this is just for the drop-down choices – you do not need to do anything with this tab
• NOTE: To search for your district and school NCES ID, please visit: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/ (link opens in new tab)

After completing the spreadsheet, email the completed spreadsheet as an attachment (please do NOT send the file as a link to SharePoint or other site) to covid-k12-testing@dph.ga.gov