SMMUSD To Begin Required COVID-19 Testing For Students

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District students will have mandatory COVID-19 testing beginning this week, district officials announced.

"Mandatory testing is required for the health and safety of all students and staff to prevent the spread of COVID-19, so we may best ensure the continuation of in-person school this year," SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati said in a statement.

All staff and students, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to undergo regular mandatory testing, according to the district. That includes a painless nasal swab that will be self-administered, except for students who need help, who can ask for adult assistance or get other accommodations.

Testing is expected to start Wednesday at each school site and a schedule will be shared with parents and staff, district officials said.

People are urged to register as soon as possible. Registration is required and testing results will be uploaded for parent visibility, as well as school administration, district officials said.

"Evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result will be required to access district campuses and facilities," district officials said.

"If a student refuses testing, the student will be sent home and will not be permitted until school authorities are satisfied that any contagious or infectious disease does not exist," school officials said.

Families may submit a test and or mask exemption form for religious grounds, disability, medical condition, mental health condition, or hearing condition that prevents their child from participating.

"We understand that parents and staff are anxious to get our testing program up and running," Drati said.

The district plans to work with medical partners Dr. Now and Malibu Medical Group/CURE. Contracts. These groups will be submitted for school board approval Monday at 5 p.m. District officials will also share more information about the testing process. Join the Zoom meeting.

The testing program is covered by a Los Angeles County Office of Education grant of $1.8 million. Medical partners will bill insurance and there will be some government reimbursement for uninsured people, Drati said. The additional cost of it is expected to be about $110,000 for the school year.

Students and staff returned to campuses in Santa Monica and Malibu this month. They are currently required to wear masks on campus and follow other health and safety COVID-19 guidelines, including physical distancing.

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