Updates to COVID-19 Testing Availability, Requirements
The COVID-19 State of Emergency declared in California is set to end on February 28, 2023, marking a milestone moment in the response to the pandemic and the start of a new phase for our schools and community.
In alignment with this shift, the Santa Cruz County school districts and the County Office of Education will be phasing out the school-based COVID-19 surveillance testing program . This opt-in testing program will be discontinued effective March 1, 2023 . Please note that this change does not impact the School Community Testing program, which will remain available at five sites throughout the county at no out-of-pocket cost.
After March 1, families will be able to use over the counter (OTC) home-based antigen tests to satisfy the testing requirements.