New CDC Guidance on COVID-19 Testing for K-12 Schools & Higher Education Institutions

State Education & Health Officials,

Today, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) published new guidance for K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Below you will find additional information.

Interim Considerations for K-12 School Administrators (Full Guidance Here)

As some communities in the United States open K-12 schools, CDC offers considerations for ways in which schools can help protect students and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19. You can find the full guidance here. The guidance covers considerations for K-12 schools regarding:

  • Types of tests to identify SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
  • When testing might be needed
  • Testing individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19
  • Testing asymptomatic individuals with recent known or suspected exposure to a person with COVID-19
  • Testing asymptomatic individuals without known exposure to a person with COVID-19

Interim Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education Administrators (Full Guidance Here)

As some institutions of higher education (IHEs) open in the United States, CDC offers considerations for ways in which IHEs can help protect students, faculty, and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19. You can find the full guidance here. The guidance covers considerations for colleges and universities regarding:

  • Types of tests to identify SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
  • When testing might be needed
  • Testing individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19
  • Testing asymptomatic individuals with recent known or suspected exposure to a person with COVID-19
  • Testing asymptomatic individuals without known exposure to a person with COVID-19