Testing Options to Return to School

The following guidance applies to students and staff who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and are required to submit proof of a negative test to the school nurse.

District 97 will maintain a supply of over-the-counter, at-home antigen kits that could be offered to students and staff preemptively or at the onset of illness. We will also maintain the ability to utilize SHIELD in the event of an outbreak. This testing approach was used successfully in our summer programs this year, allowing us to maintain safe classrooms without disrupting instructional time or placing a heavy burden on school staff.

The Oak Park Department of Public Health is providing free COVID-19 PCR and rapid testing at various locations. Insurance is not required. See free ODPH testing dates and locations, and view a list of testing locations in the community. Households can order free at-home COVID-19 tests this winter through the federal government at https://www.covid.gov/tests.

Current Acceptable Tests

*Per the Oak Park Department of Public Health, negative COVID-19 diagnostic tests are valid only for the date on which they are collected. The test must be completed within 48 hours after symptom onset.

Proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test
OR
Proof of a negative NAAT COVID-19 test
OR
Proof of a negative rapid antigen test from a FACILITY or a negative AT-HOME rapid antigen test 
AND
Student must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication, until 24 hours after vomiting and diarrhea have ceased, AND symptoms have improved/resolved.

Exceptions: According to the IDPH Exclusion Guidance, NAAT (PCR) testing/confirmation or serial antigen (two tests, 24 hours apart) is recommended if the symptomatic individual is a close contact to a confirmed case or if the classroom/school is experiencing an outbreak.