Anonymous wrote:Similar policies here but we take our Covid test at Walter Reed and they are always same day. So zero expense for me.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Why are you needing so many PCRs with quick turnaround? What is the school’s requirement for testing?
OP here. The school requires PCR or NAAT testing if your child has any symptoms, including sore throat, cough, runny nose, vomiting, etc. There is no remote option. I don't know if students on FA get a subsidy.
The responses above appear to confirm that our school is an outlier. The school won't accept, for example, two at home rapid tests taken 24s apart. We do have weekly PCR resting, but if you have symptoms you have to go off campus to get tested.
I'm fairly certain that our pediatrician's office sends out for PCR tests. Curative locations in DC say 1-2 day turnaround for PCR testing.
Anonymous wrote:Why are you needing so many PCRs with quick turnaround? What is the school’s requirement for testing?
Anonymous wrote:I think I've spent close to $1500 out of pocket for same day PCR COVID testing so that my children wouldn't have to miss more school days than necessary. Friends report similar or more, especially if they have multiple kids at the school. (This is a Big-3 with very strict COVID protocols.)
Although we can afford it, I am wondering if schools have taken into account the cost of this testing, and how it disproportionately affects lower income families. If you can't afford to spend $250/test so that your kid can go to school the next day, that means that 1) your kid has to stay home until the free testing results arrive (e.g., the PCR test kits available at the DC public libraries); 2) parents might have to miss work (if they can't work remotely).
Our school seems to have stuck its head in the sand with regard to these costs and its disproportionate impact on lower income families.