FAQ’S – COVID-19 Testing Program
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
1.What are the differences between the asymptomatic and symptomatic testing processes?
The asymptomatic testing program is mandatory for all onsite employees while employees continuing to work virtually are not required to participate. The symptomatic testing program is voluntary and open to all students and staff, both onsite and virtual, who are feeling symptomatic. Both programs are provided by the district at no cost to employees.
For both testing processes, there is NO deep-sinus nasal swab. For the asymptomatic testing program, the first test administered is the BinaxNOW rapid test. If that yields an unexpected result, a second confirmatory test is administered, a Cue test or Saliva-based PCR. For the symptomatic program, the first test administered will similarly be the BinaxNOW rapid test.
If that yields an unexpected result, a second confirmatory PCR test will be administered.
2. Who is providing the testing?
We’ve contracted medical providers who will administer the required, weekly COVID-19 tests for employees. Each school will only be working with one provider, who will come to your school weekly to test all employees.
3. How long will the testing requirement be in place?
Currently, the program is set to begin when students return to buildings. We will revisit the end of the program depending on the conditions of COVID-19 and in consultation with public health experts.
4. What should I do if I develop symptoms?
All employees will be required to affirm they are symptom-free and have not had recent exposure to someone with COVID-19 by completing the online Pre-Entry Screening Form daily. Employees are required to report if they test positive for COVID-19, if they develop symptoms consistent therewith, or if they are self-isolating due to suspected or known exposure to COVID-19 by emailing: coronavirusreport@philasd.org. If you notice symptoms while at work, you will be sent home immediately and should seek a COVID test.
PARTICIPATION
5. Who is required to participate in the required surveillance testing program?
All employees who will be onsite in buildings with students will be required to get tested weekly.
6. I was referred by a doctor to get COVID-19 tested. Can I submit those results to fulfill the testing requirement?
No. At this time, employees are expected to use the onsite surveillance testing program to fulfill the testing requirement.
7. Can I opt out of the asymptomatic program?
No. This testing program is required to ensure everyone’s safety during this time – if for some reason the onsite employee wishes to refuse testing, they will be placed on leave without pay.
TESTING PROCESS
8. How do I register for the test?
For the asymptomatic testing, you will register for testing via the STRAC app, which is the health system that will share your results with you. Employees are encouraged to register before testing
but are, however, able to register on site if they were not able to prior to the test day. Here is a link to step-by-step instructions to register.
For the optional, symptomatic testing, you can text “TESTPHL” to 72345 to have the link sent to your mobile device or visit https://secure.dentrustocs.com/sdp/testing. From there, you will be able to select a site and choose an appointment time. The website can be accessed from a mobile phone or a computer.
9. What COVID-19 tests are being utilized for the program?
The District will provide Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test. If the first test yields an unexpected result, such as a positive result when showing no symptoms, an additional confirmatory test, Rapid Molecular (i.e. Cue COVID-19 Test) or Saliva-based PCR Test (i.e. SDNA-1000 Saliva Collection Device), will be administered.
10. What does the BinaxNOW testing process consist of?
The BinaxNOW test is a quick nasal swab of both nostrils and is found to be fast and painless. It is NOT the deep-sinus swabs that some individuals have found uncomfortable. The test involves inserting a small swab, like a Q-Tip, into the front of the nose in both nostrils; and results are available in 15 minutes.
11. How do I get my results and what is the turn-around time for results?
Asymptomatic Testing: Prior to the very first test, employees will register in a health system, called the STRAC App. When the test is completed, employees will return to work and wait for their test results to be delivered via email or text. The email or text will include a link that will direct you to the account that was registered to see your results. Results take approximately 15 mins to be generated.
If that test were to yield an unexpected result, the employee will return to the testing area to get a second confirmatory test. They’ll be asked to stay in that area or the medical waiting room as they wait for the results, which take about 10-15 minutes.
Symptomatic, Optional Testing: With this testing option, you’ll follow the registration steps outlined in FAQ #8. During this registration process, you’ll sign up with the health provider and will be sent test results through their portal. Once tested, results come back onsite or within 24 hours.
12. What happens if my test comes back positive?
In the case test results do come out positive, the employee will be asked to promptly leave the district building to mitigate any potential spread and begin quarantining. The Office of Employee Health will reach out with next steps. Throughout the process, we will follow the positive COVID-19 protocol.
13. I received a COVID-19 vaccine. Do I still need to participate in COVID-19 asymptomatic testing?
Yes. Even with the vaccine, individuals may still be susceptible to carrying the virus.
14. How long will I have to quarantine if I test positive or are symptomatic?
You will be required to remain home until all of the following are true:
● at least 10 days since the onset of symptoms AND
● 24 hours free of fever without the use of fever reducing medication, (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.)
AND
● symptoms are improving
You do NOT need a repeat COVID test or a doctor’s note in order to return to work.