- Los Angeles Unified School District
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Frequently Asked Questions
Los Angeles Unified will update our COVID-19 site as more information becomes available. The following are frequently asked questions for families and employees about COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and the Daily Pass web app.
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RESPONSE TESTING PROTOCOL (2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR)
Please note Los Angeles Unified updated these guidelines on March 11, 2025. Los Angeles Unified will continue to collaborate with our health partners at the county and state levels, as well as our panel of medical experts and university partners. We also continue to review updates to county, state, and federal guidance on a daily basis, and we may adjust policies accordingly.
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COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS
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Will COVID testing be required during the 2025-26 school year?
Following the guidance of our medical advisors and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles Unified will continue to implement a “response testing” protocol for the 2025-26 school year and summer school programs.
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What should a student or employee experiencing COVID-19 symptoms do?
If the student or employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms:
- Stay home and away from others until you have been fever-free for 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication) and other symptoms are improving.
- Recommended wearing a well-fitting mask around others while feeling sick.
- Testing is recommended.
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Is masking required during the 2025-26 school year?
Indoor masking is recommended. Masking requirements are subject to change with updated guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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What is the "infectious period?"
The potential infectious period is 2 days before the date of symptom onset or the first positive test date (if no symptoms) through Day 10. Day 0 is the symptom onset date or first positive test date.
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What happens if an employee or student tests positive for the virus?
If a student or employee tests positive and has symptoms:
1. Stay home away from others until you have not had a fever for 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication) and other symptoms are improving.
2. Recommended wearing a well-fitting mask around others. Masks can help prevent the spread of germs and other respiratory viruses.
If a student or employee tests positive and does not have symptoms:
1. Recommended wearing a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after testing positive.
2. Monitor for symptoms. If feeling sick, stay home away from others until you have not had a fever for 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication) and other symptoms are improving.
Test results may be uploaded to the Daily Pass.
Please refer to LACDPH COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) Guidelines. -
Does an employee or student who tested positive need to take another test before returning to work or school?
It is recommended that employees and students test negative before returning to school or work, and they are fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication, and either their symptoms are mild and improving or their symptoms have resolved. A well-fitting mask is recommended through day 10.
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What is a “close contact” to a case and what does it mean to be a close contact?
A close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of the infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period while that person is potentially infectious.
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What should I do if I am identified as a close contact?
If you are identified as a close contact, you should monitor your health for 10 days from the last date of exposure to the positive individual. Testing is recommended within 3–5 days. Masking for close contact is recommended. If symptoms develop, stay home and avoid contact with others. Testing is recommended.
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AT-HOME RAPID ANTIGEN SELF-TEST GUIDANCE
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What happens if an employee or student tests positive on the at-home rapid self-test?
If you receive a positive result on an at-home test, you may upload a photo of the test result to the Daily Pass with your full legal name, date of birth, and test date, handwritten on the test or a separate piece of paper next to the test. The Health Emergency Response and Support Branch (HERSB) team will review this test and approve or deny it within 24-48 hours. Positive individuals should follow COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) Guidelines.
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Is it safe to use a rapid antigen test kit with an expired date?
Many COVID-19 tests have extended expiration dates, so you may be able to use your COVID-19 tests after the expiration date that is printed on the box. To find out if your test has an extended expiration date, check the list of extended expiration dates.
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LOS ANGELES UNIFIED'S RESPONSE TESTING PROGRAM
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Can my supervisor ask to see my test results?
No. A test result is personal health information and is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and an individual does not have to disclose test results.
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Can I talk to someone who speaks Spanish if I have any COVID-19 response testing questions?
Yes, please contact the Help Desk at 213-443-1300 and press 2 for Spanish.
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DAILY PASS
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What is the Daily Pass?
The Daily Pass is an online tool that allows students, parents, and employees to upload COVID-19 test results.
Choose Your Language
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Helpdesk
For families: (213) 443-1300
For employees: (213) 241-2700
The helpdesk is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for any questions about Los Angeles Unified and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Student & family wellness:
(213) 241-3840
The helpdesk is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call for support with mental health, immunizations, health insurance, food & housing, enrollment, and more.
