Press Releases

Rapid COVID-19 Testing Proves a Key Tool for Safer In-Person Learning in California Schools

By Public Health Institute, July 14, 2021

“Rapid COVID-19 testing of unvaccinated staff and students at schools can act as an early warning system. When combined with masking and vaccination of all eligible staff and students, testing can prevent outbreaks and transmission back into the community as students return,” said Dr. Lynn Silver, pediatrician and director of the Safely Opening Schools project. Read more here.

Early Data from Public Health Institute’s “Safely Opening Schools” Pilot Indicate Utility of Rapid COVID-19 Testing as Schools Reopen

By Public Health Institute, March 16,2021

As more schools across California reopen for in-person classes, the Public Health Institute (PHI), with support from The California Endowment and the Ballmer Group, reports promising early results from Safely Opening Schools (SOS). Data from the first eight districts where testing has started shows that out of the first 3256 tests conducted, there have been only 7 positive tests, showing that rapid, on-site screening can be an important tool for reopening efforts. Read more here.