Student COVID-19 Testing

As we move towards resuming in-person instruction in Alameda schools, our goal is to create a safe learning environment for our students and staff. Under current state and county guidance, TK through 5th grade may resume in-person instruction if:

• The District reaches an agreement with its labor unions 
• Students and staff are tested for COVID-19
• The county COVID-19 case rate is below 25 cases per 100,000 residents

As of March 2, the case rate in Alameda County was 6.3/100,000 residents.

AUSD began its Phase 1 of testing with employees on February 3.

Phase 2 of testing, began February 12. At that point, COVID-19 testing was voluntary but we encouraged families to get their children tested as this would help us troubleshoot the process and also help students get used to this process.  

As of March 5, the testing is mandatory.

All elementary students who plan to attend our in-person sessions beginning on March 15 will need a COVID-19 test prior to returning to campus.

That means that in order to start in-person instruction March 15, your student will need to get a test March 5-7 or March 10-14. The locations and times of our student COVID-19 testing are available to the left.

We encourage families to schedule appointments for this weekend (March 5 through March 7), however, as we anticipate very busy sessions the following week (March 10 - March 14). Testing early will also help us get your information into the testing system and help your child get used to this relatively simple process. This, in turn, will help us keep the process safer and more efficient for all families by minimizing lines and wait times moving forward.

While walk-ins are accommodated, appointments are strongly recommended. You can access the appointment system on AUSD’s Student COVID-19 Testing web page.  That page also includes an FAQ about our student testing process and maps that show how to enter and exit the testing area. If you have questions regarding student COVID-19 testing, please email StudentC19@alamedaunified.org. We will respond as promptly as possible to your questions.

National Labs, who is performing our student and staff testing,  is a Bay-area based CLIA & COLA certified reference laboratory specializing in COVID-19 and Toxicology testing. They have joined California's lab taskforce to provide necessary testing to local counties and companies. National Labs' goal is to help provide the safest school environment possible through the addition of a COVID-19 testing partnership. Trained medical staff will be available in multiple exclusive onsite collection centers throughout our district for convenience and fast results.