The state has released new guidance regarding COVID-19 testing requirements, documents that can be used for religious and medical exemptions, and forms to submit for those who have tested positive for COVID recently and want exemption from testing based on their physician’s documentation. The new information and implementation guidance has been shared with your local president.
Here are some highlights:
- Unvaccinated individuals who provide documentation that they have tested positive for or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the prior 90 days are not required to submit to weekly COVID testing. Please reach out to your district’s HR department first for this document. If they are unable to provide it, contact your local president or CEA UniServ Rep.
- Testing must be either PCR or antigen SARS-CoV-2 tests and must be administered and reported by a state-licensed clinical laboratory, pharmacy-based testing provider, or other healthcare facility with a current Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver.
- Home-based testing and results obtained outside a facility of the type indicated above are not considered adequate proof.
- Testing at state-sponsored locations will be at no cost. Although you may be asked for proof of insurance at state-sponsored locations, no one will incur out-of-pocket expenses.
Testing locations can be found by calling 2-1-1 or by clicking here an conducting an advanced search for free or no-cost testing.
Educators hired before September 27, 2021, who choose weekly testing over vaccination do not have to apply for vaccine exemptions. If your district suggests otherwise, please let your UniServ Rep know as soon as possible so that can be corrected. The governor’s executive order must be honored as written.
