Covid Testing: Ahead of the Curve

Mendocino County, CA - In light of the fast-spreading Omicron COVID-19 variant, the State of California distributed millions of at-home COVID-19 test kits to California county offices of education in December for distribution to public schools. Upon receiving 8,100 test kits, the Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE) quickly distributed them to schools, many of which were then able to get them in the hands of students before the winter holiday.

Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools Michelle Hutchins said, “We want to reassure everyone that we are as committed as ever to healthy school environments for our students and our staff, and that our districts and schools have been working incredibly hard, many of them giving up time during their own break with family and friends, to ensure the safest possible return to classrooms.”

Mendocino County was among the first counties to complete test-kit distribution. In fact, when Mendocino County Public Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Andy Coren attended a meeting in early January, he was surprised to discover that other counties were just beginning the distribution process. Local parents noted their appreciation of school efforts to keep their children safe.

A Willits parent said, “My son came home from school before the break with a two-test kit and instructions on when to take tests–one on December 30 and another on January 3. Then I received text reminders from his school about it. It was really well organized.”

Hutchins thanked local districts and schools for their quick action in December, for “being ready to receive these tests and calling back staff during this usual time of rest and rejuvenation, to serve their communities.” Schools that did not send test kits before break planned to test students as they returned to school.

Even with the development of Omicron, the State has maintained its commitment to in- person learning and according to Hutchins, MCOE has made every effort to capitalize on any opportunity the State has provided to keep students safe. She also encourages everyone to continue to use the “practices we all know by now that remain critically important when sending children to school,” including providing layers of protection such as masking, vaccinations, booster shots for those eligible, testing, and remaining home when sick to prevent further spread.

As the pandemic continues to evolve, MCOE continues to work closely with the Mendocino County Public Health Department, the California Department of Public Health, the California Department of Education and the Governor’s Office to provide students, staff and families the necessary resources to keep public schools as safe as possible.

Hutchins said, “We understand this is a time of uncertainty and concern. As the pandemic continues to evolve, we will continue to work through this together to keep our students, families, and staff healthy.”