DCPS officials state that COVID-19 tests will be conducted on a weekly basis.

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) recently announced that schools in D.C. will need to conduct weekly COVID-19 testing. Data will be collected and distributed as in-person learning continues. Starting on Friday, rapid tests will be done for staff, as well as pre-K and kindergarten students.

Officials with DCPS state the COVID-19 tests will be available every Friday for families and staff to administer before the upcoming week.

Further guidance on this will be provided later this week, according to reports.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser writes in a statement, "Beginning this week, the District will distribute one rapid antigen test kit per week to all registered pre-K and kindergarten students in DCPS and public charter schools. Tests will be available by Friday of each week, to be administered before returning on Monday. This program will continue through at least the winter surge of cases. All DCPS staff and public charter school staff will also receive one rapid antigen test kit per week."

This is all part of the "Test to Stay" Program to come from the mayor's office. According to the release, the Test to Stay Program will "allow students who are identified as close contacts and not fully vaccinated the ability to take a series of rapid COVID-19 tests during their isolation period."

The news of COVID-19 testing in D.C. schools follows recent news about the University of Maryland requiring its students to get tests and wear masks.

What do you think of the weekly COVID-19 testing in D.C. schools, for pre-K and kindergarten students, and staff? Comment below.