Jeffco Public Schools Begins Surveillance Testing For Students

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — One of Colorado's largest school districts began student surveillance testing Thursday in a new COVID-19 program.

Jeffco Public Schools partnered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and its testing provider Mobile Health to launch the program, which includes testing sites at 18 high schools and four district facilities.

Jefferson County Public Health issued an order in August that requires the school district to implement weekly COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated students who participate in extracurricular athletics or activities, and all unvaccinated staff members.

The school district began testing staff on Tuesday and students on Thursday in what officials call a 'soft rollout' — the district aims to ensure that everyone has the chance to register for the program and give their consent on the Mobile Health website. The first official week of testing is set to begin Monday.

"This testing program is used for surveillance purposes which refers to regular testing for individuals who are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms," the school district said in its latest community update.

"For symptomatic staff and students, please continue to utilize many of the community testing sites throughout your area."

Don’t miss the latest news updates in Arvada, Lakewood and Littleton. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Unvaccinated students who are participating in Jeffco athletics and unvaccinated staff will need to be tested weekly and provide a negative test result, the district said.

>> Learn more about the Jeffco Public Schools surveillance testing program here.