Glendora Unified Distributes Free COVID Test Kits To Students
GLENDORA, CA — With classes back in session this week amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across Los Angeles County, the Glendora Unified School District distributed free test kits to students.
The test kits were limited to one per student, the district said. Kits were available for pick-up at a drive-through event held at the GUSD office on Monday and Tuesday.
The test kits were not mandatory but are strongly encouraged by the district as it's "one way we can all help ensure our schools stay open and safe during the winter surge."
When Glendora schools reopened Monday, it was amid a coronavirus surge fueled by the omicron variant.
COVID-19 cases shot up in California after the holidays, with the average daily case count reaching 39,450, according to The New York Times. The count signifies a 408 percent increase from the previous 14 days.
In Los Angeles County, the area saw a 607 percent increase with a 19,154 daily average case count, the Times reported.
To protect students returning to the classrooms this week, Glendora Unified will implement several safety measures issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health within the next two weeks.
Schools will test for asymptomatic close contacts of infected students, regardless of vaccination status, the district said. Face coverings will also be necessary for outdoor crowded areas where physical distancing is not possible.
Faculty and staff members at Glendora schools will also be required to wear upgraded face coverings, either surgical masks are respirators, the district said.
The district is also recommending all students wear non-cloth face coverings that are well-fitted to their faces and that all eligible staff members and students receive a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated the test kits were distributed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The kits were distributed on Monday and Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on the Glendora Patch
