COVID testing requirements for students in DC, Montgomery Co., and Fairfax Co

Winter break won’t be over for D.C. public school students until they take a COVID-19 test. Meanwhile, kids in neighboring Montgomery County, Maryland, and Fairfax County, Virginia, are being strongly encouraged to do so.

D.C.

The test confirming D.C. children aren’t sick needs to be taken on Monday Jan. 2 and submitted by 9 p.m. that night to the District’s online system.



Tests were made available before the break, but can still be picked up at any one of the city’s COVID-19 centers located in each of the eight wards.

Additional details on testing can be found on the DCPS website.

Montgomery County, Md

In Montgomery County, the school system’s chief medical officer strongly encourages staff and students to test prior to returning from the holiday break, especially if they have any symptoms of, or a potential exposure to COVID-19.

“Staff or students testing positive for COVID-19 must report their result through the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form and follow CDC isolation guidelines. Cases that are self-reported through the reporting tool are reflected on the MCPS COVID-19 Dashboard,” the school system said in a statement.

Fairfax County, Va

In October, Fairfax County Public Schools stopped its requirement of testing students who are asymptomatic for COVID-19 .

However, beginning on Tuesday afternoon, FCPS encourages students and staff to take advantage of free diagnostic testing, which is available without an appointment. They will need to register first in the school system’s online portal.

Students eligible for testing need to either be exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case.

You can find additional details on the FCPS website.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

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