Portland Public Schools: Announcing COVID-19 Screening Program For All PPS Families

Press release from Portland Public Schools:

September 16, 2021

Dear PPS families, students and staff,

Beginning next week, families will receive a consent form to opt-in to participate in our free COVID-19 screening testing program, which is a partnership between the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and PPS. Screening testing provides early detection of COVID-19, even when individuals have no apparent COVID-19-like symptoms. 

We will begin enrollment of schools early next week, prioritizing schools serving K-5 students due to those students not yet being eligible to receive the vaccine. We also anticipate enrolling middle and high school students soon after. We expect testing to begin shortly after each school has completed registration.  

What should I expect?

Below is a short summary of the process of enrolling your student into the COVID-19 Screening Program:

Example: Your child brings home the test kit on Tuesday after school. On Wednesday morning, you and your child will administer the test, and bring it to school. At school, your child will place their test at a specific location in school.  OHSU will pick up the test kits on Wednesday for testing.

If it is a positive (or inconclusive) result, you will keep your child home from school. You will need to call your child’s school and inform them immediately and follow the guidance provided to you. 

Testing is one tool among many to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Despite the availability of this program, the best tools to protect individuals against COVID-19 are vaccination for those eligible, physical distancing, masks, proper ventilation and airflow, hand hygiene, and staying home if ill or exposed to someone with COVID-19. 

We are excited for the launch of this screening testing program, helping us make more informed decisions about our students safety and health. 

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The project is a collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Education, OHSU, Multnomah County and our health partners at MESD. 

This press release was produced by Portland Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.