Pasadena Unified Recommends Masking, Testing as COVID-19 Cases Rise

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is recommending but not requiring masks and testing for everyone on its campuses as COVID-19 transmission increases in the area.

“Masks are recommended but not required for students, teachers, staff, visitors, and volunteers regardless of vaccination status,” the District said in an email on Friday, Sept. 8.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Wednesday that the virus spread has been gradual and consistent over the past few weeks. The Pasadena Public Heatlh Department has reported increases in daily COVID-19 cases locally to a level not seen for months.

In the detailed statement issued Friday, PUSD said masks are still required at testing and vaccination clinics and in school health offices for those with COVID-19 symptoms. 

Employees who test positive must wear masks when they come back to work after five days of isolation. The county Public Health Department also advises people to mask around others for 10 days after exposure or for the last five days of isolation after infection.

The district also said that COVID-19 testing is important. The county Public Health Department said people should test after exposure, if they have symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat or fatigue, or before visiting someone at high risk.

Free at-home test kits are available at all PUSD schools and at the PUSD Education Center at 351 S. Hudson Ave., specifically at the Health Programs Room 126, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Free test kits are also widely available through community partners and at libraries and public health clinics throughout Los Angeles County. More information about test kits can be found at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/covidtests.  

The California Department of Public Health has issued a blanket extension indicating that rapid antigen tests, both the at-home kits and professional use kits, are valid regardless of their expiration date as long as the control line of the test shows up when reading the result.

For more information, visit www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list.

PUSD also said people who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and away from others for at least five full days and wear a mask when returning to school or work through day 10. They also urged people to consult a health care provider to access treatment or, if the don’t have one, call the LA County Public Health call center, (833) 540-0473, any day of the week from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“Later this month, a new COVID-19 vaccine will be available for increased protection against newer COVID strains,” PUSD said. “Staying up to date on recommended vaccines protects us from getting serious illnesses. By getting vaccinated, we also protect those who can’t get vaccinated, like infants and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccinations help keep schools safe and help avoid disruptions to important (and fun) activities.” 

If you have questions or concerns about getting the latest COVID vaccine, speak with your health care provider, or your school site nurse, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov or email healthprograms@pusd.us.