COVID-19 Testing Options at SFUSD
Learn more about the different COVID-19 testing options we offer to school communities. Ver en español. 看中文視頻.
Get Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 test kits 3 times from the federal government for a total of 16 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Testing Options at SFUSD
Testing is a very important part of keeping our schools safe by caring for ourselves and others and helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Participating in testing for COVID-19 helps us to support students and school staff to know when to isolate if they test positive for COVID-19. Getting tested for COVID-19 when your child is identified as a close contact may allow them to return to school sooner if they test negative.
There are multiple ways that SFUSD is providing COVID-19 testing to students, staff, and families.
| Where to Test | Test Type | Test Results | Registration | How to Get Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take-home; Self-swab kits available for pick up/drop off at school sites | Molecular test* via Color |
|
Contact Color at 844-352-6567 for help |
|
| On-site mobile testing | Rapid antigen test via Safer Together |
|
Register to get results, no appointments necessary |
Locations and dates of testing sites
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| Take-home test kits done at home | Rapid antigen test |
|
n/a |
Test kits were distributed to students at their school sites as a one-time distribution from the California Department of Public Health
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* Color's lab uses RT-LAMP technology. LAMP, just like PCR, is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Color uses LAMP technology because of supply chain robustness and scalability.
If students or staff become symptomatic while on campus, or are identified as close contacts, all school sites have unmonitored self-swab Color kits that can be used and dropped off at any of the following: (1) any school site before 10 a.m., (2) any of the mobile testing sites, or (3) any central office drop-off locations from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Students and staff with COVID-19 symptoms before school should not come onto school campus. Those with symptoms can go to a different site for testing, such as the mobile testing sites or central office drop off locations.
Testing is not mandatory. All students will be able to come to school if a family chooses not to have them participate in COVID-19 testing.
Check out our frequently asked questions about monitoring and testing for COVID-19.
Non-SFUSD Testing Options
You can also access testing at locations throughout San Francisco, which includes your primary health care provider and community and public testing sites.
For more information about COVID-19 testing, or to find a testing site near you, visit sf.gov/gettested or call SFDPH’s COVID Resource Center at 628-652-2700.
After Getting Test Results
If you or your student has COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and do not go to school until you receive a negative test result. Symptoms include: fever greater than 100.4° F, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, new loss of smell or taste, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, or fatigue. Find COVID-19 testing options for symptomatic students.
If the test is positive, report the result to your school as soon as possible.
Learn more about isolation and quarantine guidelines.
COVID-19 Testing Locations and Dates
This page was last updated on May 19, 2022