COVID-19 Support: Public Health Orders
Welcome to the COVID-19 support page for closure guidance and communication resources. Here you can find guidance and resources organized by the following categories. Simply click on a category link to be taken directly to those resources below on the page. For questions, please email disasterinfo@tea.texas.gov.
2022- 2023School Year |
Public Health Orders | COVID-19 School Health Support Grant (Grants to Schools) |
K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program |
Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding Grant (Nursing Grant) |
Public Health Orders
FAQ and Guidance
Governor Abbott’s COVID-19 disaster declaration is still in effect. Governor Abbottdue to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 13, 2020. A gubernatorial disaster declaration expires thirty days after its issuance, unless renewed, and Governor Abbottrenewed the declarationon August 30, 2021.
- Public Health Guidance(PDF)August 1, 2022
Tools, Templates and Resources
-
Ventilation System Impact on Student Health(PDF)October 7, 2021
Correspondence and Notices
- Executive Order no. GA-29 relating to the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 disaster(PDF)July2, 2020
- Executive Order no. GA-30 relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens(PDF)September 17, 2020
- Executive Order no. GA-32 relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens(PDF)December 10, 2020
- Executive Order no. GA-34 relating to the opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster(PDF)March 2, 2021
- Press Release:Texas Education Agency Announces Updates to Public Health Guidance; 91ȱ Also Provides Updates to COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
- May 18, 2021
- July 29, 2021
COVID-19 School Health Support Grant (Grants to Schools)
Tools, Templates and Resources
- October 20, 2022
- October 20, 2022
- Outside Vendor Reporting Template(Excel Spreadsheet)September 23, 2022
Correspondence and Notices
- TAA: Release of COVID-19 School Health Support GrantNovember 4, 2021
- 2021-2022 School Health Support Grant Allocations by LEANovember 19, 2021
Webinars and Presentations
- (YouTube)September 21, 2022
- SY 22-23 COVID School Health Support Grant, Cycle 2 Presentation (PDF)September 21, 2022
- (YouTube)September 16, 2022
- School Health Support Grant, Cycle 3 Presentation(PDF)September 16, 2022
- (YouTube)November 23, 2021
K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program
This K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program is supported by the CDC of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $800 million with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit the.
FAQ and Guidance
- SY 22-23 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program Guidance & Eligibility Requirements (PDF)September 29, 2022
Tools, Templates and Resources
Reporting Forms
- May 15, 2023
- SY 22-23 K-12 COVID-19 Vendor Staffing Log (PDF)July 27, 2022
-
- COVID-19 Tests and Services Received ReportInstructions(PDF) August 30, 2022
Lists
- SY 2022-2023 Vendor Resource Sheet (Excel) April3,2023
- K-12 Public School Allocation (PDF)June 2, 2023
- K-12 Private School Allocation (PDF)June 2, 2023
- School Systems Supported by the City of Houston COVID-19 Testing Program(Excel) August 8, 2022
Applications
- October 7, 2021
- October 7, 2021
- CLIA Waiver Application Exemplar(PDF)October 7, 2021
Other Resources
- Instructions For Use Rapid Antigen & PCR Tests (Excel)January 24, 2023
- SY 2022-2023 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program Standing Delegation Order (PDF)October 3, 2022
- Student Consent Form, 91ȱ-Developed (English)August 4, 2022
- Student Consent Form, 91ȱ-Developed (Spanish)August 4, 2022
- CDC Ways School Systems Can Access COVID-19 TestingJanuary 21, 2022
- Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Rapid Test Additional Extension Notification(PDF)January 27, 2022
- Houston Health Department (HHD): COVID Mitigation Support & Resources Outline(PDF)January 7, 2022
Webinars and Presentations
The content presented within the vendor webinar recordings and slide decks are subject to changes/updates; please refer to theSY 2022-2023 Vendor Resource Sheetunder the“Lٲ”section on this webpage to ensure you have the most updated vendor information.
Recordings and Presentations
- K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project Closeout Reporting Process Webinar
- (YouTube video)
- AccuReference
-
- City of Houston
- SY 2022-2023 K-12COVID-19 Testing Program: Official Launch Webinar
- Quest Diagnostics
-
- Goodside Health
-
- Thermo Fisher
- Achieve Health Management
-
- Bloom Health Partners
-
Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding Grant (Nursing Grant)
FAQ and Guidance
- (PDF)November 5, 2021
- COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding Grant FAQ (PDF)November 5, 2021
Tools, Templates and Resources
- November 4, 2021
Webinars and Presentations
- Public Health Workforce Grant Presentation (PDF)November 5, 2021
- Public Health Workforce Grant Strategy Options (PDF)November 5, 2021
This guidance may be outdated, please refer to the 22-23 tab for up-to-date guidance.
2021 - 2022 School Year |
Public Health Orders
FAQ and Guidance
Governor Abbott’s COVID-19 disaster declaration is still in effect. Governor Abbottdue to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 13, 2020. A gubernatorial disaster declaration expires thirty days after its issuance, unless renewed, and Governor Abbottrenewed the declarationon August 30, 2021.
- Public Health Guidance(PDF)January 7, 2022
Tools, Templates and Resources
-
Ventilation System Impact on Student Health(PDF)October 7, 2021
Correspondence and Notices
- Executive Order no. GA-29 relating to the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 disaster(PDF) July2, 2020
- Executive Order no. GA-30 relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens(PDF) September 17, 2020
- Executive Order no. GA-32 relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens(PDF) December 10, 2020
- Executive Order no. GA-34 relating to the opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster (PDF) March 2, 2021
- Press Release: Texas Education Agency Announces Updates to Public Health Guidance; 91ȱ Also Provides Updates to COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
- May 18, 2021
- July 29, 2021
COVID-19 School Health Support Grant (Grants to Schools)
This K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program is supported by the CDC of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $800 million with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit the .
FAQ and Guidance
- SY 21-22 COVID-19 School Health Support Grant Program Guidelines (PDF)November 4, 2021
- SY 21-22 COVID-19 School Health Support Grant FAQ (PDF) February 16, 2022
Tools, Templates and Resources
- Outside Vendor Reporting Template (Excel Spreadsheet)February 17, 2022
- November 4, 2021
- 2021-2021 COVID-19 School Health Support Grant Application Preview (PDF)November 11, 2021
Webinars and Presentations
- April 26, 2022
- November 23, 2021
- November 23, 2021
- September 23, 2021
- SY 21-22 COVID-19 Health Support Grant Presentation (PDF)November 4, 2021
Correspondence and Notices
- TAA: Release of COVID-19 School Health Support Grant November 4, 2021
- 2021-2022 School Health Support Grant Allocations by LEA November 19, 2021
K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program
This K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program is supported by the CDC of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $800 million with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit the.
FAQ and Guidance
- SY 22-23 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program Step By Step Guide (PDF)July 14, 2022
- SY 22-23 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program Guidance & Eligibility Requirements (PDF)July 14, 2022
- SY 22-23 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program FAQ (PDF)July 21, 2022
- SY 21-22 K-12 COVID-19 Testing ProgramHigh-Level One Pager (PDF)September 9, 2021
- SY 21-22 K-12 COVID-19 Testing ProgramPresentation (PDF)September 16, 2021
- SY 21-22 K-12 COVID-19 Testing ProgramFAQ (PDF)October 19, 2021
- SY 21-22 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program Eligibility Requirements (PDF)September 23, 2021
Tools, Templates and Resources
Reporting Forms
-
- COVID-19 Tests and Services Received ReportInstructions(PDF) January 10, 2022
Lists
- K-12 Testing Results ReportedMarch 24, 2022
- SY 2021-2022 Vendor Resource Sheet (excel) April 28, 2022
- SY 2022-2023 Vendor Resource Sheet (excel) June 22, 2022
- School Systems Supported by the City of Houston COVID-19 Testing Program (excel)September 9, 2021
Applications
- July 14, 2022
- SY 22-23 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program Opt-in Application Preview (PDF)July 19, 2022
- October 7, 2021
- October 7, 2021
- CLIA Waiver Application Exemplar(PDF)October 7, 2021
- Reposted December 30, 2021
Other Resources
- CDC Ways School Systems Can Access COVID-19 TestingJanuary 21, 2022
- Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Rapid Test Additional Extension Notification(PDF)January 27, 2022
- October 7, 2021
- If you have not previously taken the ABN rapid testing training modules, please click on the link and review modules 1-4 under the “Training Videos” section
- Houston Health Department (HHD): COVID Mitigation Support & Resources Outline (PDF)January 7, 2022
Webinars and Presentations
The content presented within the vendor webinar recordings and slide decks are subject to changes/updates; please refer to theSY 2022-2023 Vendor Resource Sheetunder the“Lٲ”section on this webpage to ensure you have the most updated vendor information.
- July 14, 2022
- June 22, 2022
- June 22, 2022
- June 22, 2022
- June 22, 2022
- June 22, 2022
- June 22, 2022
- February 4, 2022
- January 19, 2022
- January 19, 2022
- January 19, 2022
-
- SY 2021-2022 COVID-19 Grants to Schools Presentation(PDF)September 23, 2021
-
- Achieve Health Management Presentation(PDF)September 23, 2021
-
- Thermo Fisher Presentation(PDF)September 23, 2021
-
- City of Houston Testing Program Presentation
-
- COVID-19 Tests & Services Received Presentation
Correspondence and Notices
- TAA: 2021-2022 COVID-19 Testing Program Closeout Dates and Feedback Request(PDF)May 5, 2022
- TAA: COVID-19 Testing Availability Reminder(PDF)September 2, 2021
- Sample Letter to Parents: COVID-19 Test Availability (Word)September 2, 2021
- TAA: SY 2021-2022 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project(PDF)September 16, 2021
- SY 21-22 K-12 COVID-19 Testing Standing Delegation Order(PDF)October 25, 2021
COVID-19 Case Reporting
Tools, Templates and Resources
- September 17, 2020
- COVID-19 Public School Case Report InstructionsDecember 15, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Tools, Templates and Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Information
- DSHS Website:
- DSHS Document:
- How to Become a Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Provider(PDF)March 7, 2021
Best Practices for District Vaccination Events
- Sample General Vaccination Event Information to Send to School Personnel
- Sample School Vaccination Event Set Up Map
- Sample Day of Vaccination Event Check List
- Emergency Supplies to ConsiderHaving on Hand During Vaccination Event
- Sample Vaccination Event Email to Send to Parents
Sample District Communications Resources
- Don’t Miss Your Shot Campaign Overview (Ages 5-11)November 11, 2021
- Don’t Miss Your Shot Campaign Image 1: ClassroomNovember 11, 2021
- Don’t Miss Your Shot Campaign Image 2: HallwayNovember 11, 2021
- Don’t Miss Your Shot Campaign Image 3: SoccerNovember 11, 2021
- HTML Email 1 Template (Ages 5-11)November 11, 2021
- HTML Email 2 Template (Ages 5-11)November 11, 2021
Other Resources
- Sample Vaccine Informed Consent Form for Minors: Harris County Public Health (English) April 29, 2021
- Sample Vaccine Informed Consent Form for Minors: Harris County Public Health (Spanish) April 29, 2021
- Department of State Health Services:Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Providers Webinar (PDF) August 10, 2021
- August 19, 2021
Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding Grant (Nursing Grant)
FAQ and Guidance
- (PDF)November 5, 2021
- COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding Grant FAQ (PDF)November 5, 2021
Tools, Templates and Resources
- November 4, 2021
Webinars and Presentations
- Public Health Workforce Grant Presentation (PDF)November 5, 2021
- Public Health Workforce Grant Strategy Options (PDF)November 5, 2021
Other Resources
Tools, Templates and Resources
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Update (PDF)August 5, 2021
- State of Texas Assistance Request: Process for K-12 PPE(PDF)August 20, 2021
This guidance may be outdated, please refer to the 22-23 tab for up-to-date guidance.
2020 - 2021 School Year |
Public Health
Orders |
COVID-19 Case Reporting | Other
Resources |
|
COVID-19 Vaccinations |
Public Health Orders
FAQ and Guidance
Governor Abbott’s COVID-19 disaster declaration is still in effect. Governor Abbottdue to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 13, 2020. A gubernatorial disaster declaration expires thirty days after its issuance, unless renewed, and Governor Abbottrenewed the declarationon July 30, 2021.
- Public Health Guidance(PDF)August 19, 2021
- SY 20-21 Reopening Guidance Summary(PDF)July 21, 2020
- Training and Conditioning Guidance for Non-UIL Activities(PDF)June 9, 2020
Tools, Templates and Resources
- SY 20-21 Communication Templates: Beginning of Year, Symptom Screening, and Confirmed Case(Word)July 28, 2020
- SY 20-21 Communication Templates: Beginning of Year, Symptom Screening, and Confirmed Case – SPANISH(Word)July 30, 2020
- SY 20-21 Public Health Operational Guidebook (PDF)July 28, 2020
- SY 20-21 Public Health Scenario Planning Answer Key(PDF)July 28, 2020
- SY 20-21 COVID-19 Symptom Screener Options for LEAs(PDF)July 28, 2020
- Education Rights and Responsibilities During COVID-19(PDF)August 13, 2020
- Education Rights and Responsibilities During COVID-19 (Spanish) (PDF)August 13, 2020
- (Developed by ESCs)April 20, 2020
- Austin Public Health Close Contact – Timeline(PDF)December 10, 2020
- Ventilation System Impact on Student Health(PDF) March 2, 2021
- CDC Resource:June 15, 2021
Correspondence and Notices
- Executive Order no. GA-29 relating to the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 disaster(PDF) July2, 2020
- Executive Order no. GA-30 relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens(PDF) September 17, 2020
K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project
FAQ and Guidance
- K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project Superintendent Kick-Off Presentation(PDF)October 29, 2020
- K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project FAQ(PDF)February 2, 2021
- K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project Playbook(PDF)October 28, 2020
Tools, Templates and Resources
- K-12 Test Allocation Spreadsheet
- K-12 Test Allocation spreadsheet – Based on November 15, 2020 Trauma Service Area (TSA) Data(Excel)November23, 2020
- K-12 Test Allocation spreadsheet – Based on October 16, 2020 Trauma Service Area (TSA) Data(Excel)October 28, 2020
- K-12 Test Allocation spreadsheet – Based on December 15, 2020 Trauma Service Area (TSA) Data(Excel)December 17, 2020
- K-12 Public School Test Allocation Spreadsheet Methodology
- December K-12 Public School Test Allocation spreadsheet methodology(PDF)November23, 2020
- November K-12 Public School Test Allocation spreadsheet methodology(PDF)October 28, 2020
- January K-12 Public School Test Allocation spreadsheet methodology(PDF)December 17, 2020
-
- Click on “Combined Hospital Data over time by Trauma Service Region”
- Start of 2021-2022 School Year Rapid Test Reordering Spreadsheet(Excel)August 18, 2021
91ȱ K-12 Testing Resources |
|
Document |
Description |
Communication TemplatesOctober 28, 2020
School District Examples
|
Communicating with your stakeholders about COVID rapid testing will be essential to successful implementation. Resources include 91ȱ-developed samples as well as examples created by districts that participated in the testing pilot. These documents are meant as a resource and their use is entirely optional. |
Student Permission Slip,91ȱ-Developed
|
School systems must obtainformal consent from a student's legal guardian (for those under 18). The 91ȱ-developed sample is provided as a standardized example for all schools/districts. Feel free to edit it to include additional information specific to your school or district. For example, you may want to add context if this is to be filled out at the time of testing, or in advance of the possibility of tests being conducted in the future. Additional examples are provided from the districts that participated in the pilot testing. |
Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) K-12 Testing Resources Effective September 15, 2021, TDEM will no longer support the K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project. Additional information from 91ȱ will provided in the coming weeks |
||
Document |
Description | Where to find |
Texas School Testing Quick Guide |
One pager on what test administrators can expect on testing day |
|
Test Coordinator Responsibilities |
Schools should review prior to appointing a test coordinator to better understand duties before, during and after testing |
|
Test Administrator Responsibilities |
Schools should review prior to appointing test coordinator to better understand the training requirements and the duties before, during and after |
|
Best Practices for Schools |
This document provides schools with additional information on planning, space requirements, and managing testing flow |
|
How-To-Video Loop |
This video can be played on a loop during testing and provides step by step instructions on test administration |
|
Training Links for Test Administrators |
Each test administrator is required to complete the training and take the accompanying exam |
|
K-12 COVID Testing Support Guide |
The K-12 COVID-19 Testing Support Guide provides an overview of the program to provide BinaxNow Rapid Test kits and PPE to school systems in Texas. The guide provides information on how tests will be distributed and resupplied, test administration, reporting of results, and how to handle medical waste |
|
Standing Delegation Order |
Standing delegation order from Dr. Alexander Lazar for licensed nurses conducting BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Screening in K-12 Texas school systems |
|
Medical Waste Instructions for Schools |
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulatory guidance regarding the handling, storage, labeling, transportation, and proper disposal for schools using COVID-19 rapid testing kits. |
|
BinaxNOW Distribution |
Listing of the number of test kits distributed to K-12 School Systems as December 15, 2020 |
|
Abbott BinaxNow tests reported by school system |
This document provides the number of Abbott BinaxNow tests that were distributed to each school system and the total and percent of those tests that school systems have reported they’ve used |
|
Expiration Date Extension |
Abbott Labs has announced that their BinaxNOW Test kits’ expiration date may be extended by an additional three months for specific test kit lots. Only those lots which are indicated in the letter on the TDEM site are extended. |
Correspondence and Notices
- Press Release:Governor Abbott, 91ȱ, TDEM Announce COVID-19 Rapid Testing Pilot Program For Texas School Systems(PDF)October 17, 2020
- TAA:Reminder: K-12 COVID-19 Testing ProjectNovember19, 2020
- TAA:Final Reminder: K-12 COVID-19 Testing Project Opt-In DeadlineJanuary 7, 2021
COVID-19 Case Reporting
FAQ and Guidance
- DSHS Texas Public Schools Data DisplayFAQ(PDF)October 1, 2020
- COVID-19 Public School Case and Test Reporting Instructions and FAQ(PDF)March 5, 2021
Tools, Templates and Resources
- Optional School Capture and Reporting Template (Excel) November 19, 2020
Correspondence and Notices
- TAA: 2020-2021 COVID-19 Case Reporting(PDF)August 27, 2020
- Press Release: DSHS and 91ȱ Launch Webpage with COVID-19 Case Data Reported by Texas Public Schools
Other Resources
Tools, Templates and Resources
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Update (PDF)August 5, 2021
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Allotments by LEA - Final as of 6/18/20LEA (Excel)June 18, 2020
- SY 20-21 Texas Public School Start Dates(PDF)September 17, 2020
- Summary of Texas Public Schools Student Enrollment Trends: October 2020 (PDF)January 7, 2021
- Fall PEIMS On-Campus Attendance Participation (Excel)March 4, 2021
- Summary of Texas Public School Student Enrollment Trends: January 2021(PDF)March 4, 2021
Correspondence and Notices
-
March 3, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccinations
FAQ and Guidance
- K-12 COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ (PDF)June 15, 2021
- Vaccination Progress Tracking Survey Instructions(PDF)March 26, 2021
- Texas Schools Vaccine Campaign Overview(PDF)March 18, 2021
Tools, Templates and Resources
- Federal Government Resources
SY 21-22 Student Vaccine Campaign
- Sample District Communication ResourcesAugust 19, 2021
- Third Party Vaccine Resources:
- Department of State Health Services:Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Providers Webinar (PDF) August 10, 2021
- August 19, 2021
- Best Practices for District Vaccination Events: