DHEC Begins Distribution of Rapid Covid-19 Tests to Local School Districts

DHEC will begin distributing 220,000 rapid Covid-19 test kits to school districts this week. Governor McMaster signed the executive order just before Thanksgiving, granting the agency the authority to do so. However, the school districts still have some details to iron out. This includes training school nurses and figuring out “the best utilization of this resource.” Some schools also have not yet received their test kits but are working with the department to finalize the process. Tests will be administered to students, teachers and staff who are symptomatic. Results will take around 15 minutes. Parents or guardians must sign a consent form for their children.