Free COVID-19 Testing is Available for Students and Employees

Thanks to federal funding, Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is providing free COVID-19 testing to help keep students and employees safe. Through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ partnership with MAKO, a COVID-19 testing company, CCS is offering free rapid (antigen) testing to students and employees at each school site to facilitate quick COVID-19 diagnoses. The minimally invasive rapid antigen testing helps prevent in-school transmission while minimizing the loss of face-to-face learning time. 

 

This free COVID-19 testing, which will be provided at each school site, is not required. Parents and guardians of CCS students and employees who wish to take advantage of this convenient testing must complete the registration form on the CCS website. Once individuals complete the registration process, they will receive additional information from the district about testing dates and times, which will occur before school and during lunch for most students and after school for athletes.

 

“We remain committed to doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. “We encourage families and employees to take advantage of this free COVID-19 testing. Our top priority is to operate schools in person all year as safely as possible. COVID-19 testing, combined with everyone following the guidance of health officials, getting vaccinated if eligible and observing the 3 Ws, will help us combat COVID-19.”

 

District officials encourage families and employees to register for the free COVID-19 testing as soon as possible. Doing so will help them finalize the testing schedule for each school and allocate the appropriate number of staff to support school-based testing. Once each testing site is fully mobilized, CCS staff and students will have access to COVID-19 testing weekly at their home school site.

 

For more information and to access the registration links and frequently asked questions, visit www.ccs.k12.nc.us/covidtesting.