SHIELD Testing
Plainfield School District 202 is partnering with the University of Illinois to test students, teachers, and staff members for COVID-19 infection using the University of Illinois' rapid rtPCR test ("SHIELD Test").
This non-invasive COVID-19 test is VOLUNTARY AND FREE to all District 202 students and staff and is at no cost to the district.
If you consent, your child will receive a free SHIELD diagnostic test for the COVID-19 virus conducted by collecting saliva. A third-party medical agency, will facilitate and administer SHIELD testing. Testing will be conducted at least once a week per current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations as adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Why SHIELD testing?
IDPH partnered with SHIELD Illinois to provide weekly testing to participating schools utilizing the SHIELD Illinois saliva-based RT-PCR testing. Screening tests for SARS-CoV-2 are intended to identify infected persons who are asymptomatic and without known or suspected exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Screening tests are performed to identify persons who may be contagious to prevent further transmission. Screening tests can be an effective mitigation strategy, especially in areas with high-to-moderate community transmission.
Test Results and Confidentiality
Families who consent to SHIELD testing will receive access to your child's test results online (more information coming soon.) District 202 will also receive results of your child's test and may/will notify you separately of any positive result. All results are confidential and protected under HIPAA and FERPA.
The IDPH, and Will or Kendall County Health Department will also receive your child's test results, consistent with IDPH guidance and the Illinois Control of Communicable Disease Code.
Consent for Testing
Parents/Guardians must complete the SHIELD COVID Testing Consent Form for each child they would like to participate in the weekly testing. Parents/Guardians must choose – or "Opt In" -- to give consent for their child(ren) to be tested.
There are two types of SHIELD tests that your child is eligible to receive free of charge. Parents need to select which option they would like their child to receive.
Option 1: Traditional SHIELD testing during the school day. Students will check-in weekly with collection staff, receive a small vial, then "drool" a small amount of saliva into the vial. The collection staff will then scan the student's QR code and link it with the saliva provided. The vial with the sample is placed in a container which will be transported to the lab and the student returns to class.
Option 2: Unobserved SHIELD testing. Families will receive up to 4 vials a month labeled with the student's QR code, including directions on how to gather a sample. Vials are marked to indicate the 1.5 mL of saliva needed. Students can collect a saliva sample at home and send the sample into school on the day of SHIELD testing. The collection staff will then scan the student's QR code and link it with the saliva provided. The vial with the sample is placed in a container which will be transported to the lab.
For additional information visit the district SHIELD website or review the attached FAQ.
Timeline for Testing:
Consent forms can be completed at any time. Any new enrollees will take at least 1 week to be added to the program.
SHIELD testing is projected to start the week of September 5 th .