Covid-19 Updates

Antigen Testing

Missouri Rapid Antigen Test Program

Missouri continues to provide all Missouri K-12 schools with rapid antigen tests to help safely deliver in-person learning.

Missouri schools have two options for testing:

  1. In-office testing using the Status COVID-19/Flu A&B antigen test kits. The Status COVID-19/Flu A&B test must be administered by trained personnel under a CLIA waiver. DHSS has added Status COVID-19/Flu A&B test kits to the existing state CLIA waiver. Administering testing in-office also requires a standing order. DHSS has issued a standing order through December 31, 2024.
  2. ACON Flow Flex tests for sending home with students and/or staff for at-home testing.

Use Cases

  • Schools and early childhood education (ECE) programs can promote and offer diagnostic testing for people with symptoms of COVID-19 or who came into close contact with someone with COVID-19. If people who have COVID-19 are identified early and isolate at home, schools and ECE programs can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • At high COVID-19 Community Levels, CDC encourages schools and ECE programs to consider implementing screening testing for high risk activities (for example close contact sports, band or choir); at key times in the year (for example, prom, group travel); and when returning from breaks (such as holidays, spring break, at the beginning of the school year).
  • At medium to high COVID-19 Community Levels those serving students who are at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19, such as those with moderate or severe immunocompromised or complex medical conditions may want to consider screening testing.

Program Information

Items to note

  • Schools can choose to conduct tests in-office by trained personnel and/or for send home for use. Send any changes to your testing plan to SHS@health.mo.gov.
  • Visit the DHSS Rapid Antigen Test Kit Application and Resource page for the testing application and additional information.
  • Visit the Testing Resources Page for testing resources.
  • The DHSS warehouse will ship tests daily.
  • See minimum order requirements below.
Testing
Location		 Test
Available		 Minimum Order
At-Home ACON Flow Flex 300 (1 test per box)
In-Office Status COVID-19/Flu A&B 100

To receive antigen tests, new users must:

  • Complete an application via the Rapid Antigen Test Kit Application Portal (arcgis.com)
  • Complete the required training and provide verification of that training.
  • Submit a testing plan.

To receive in-office antigen tests, existing users must:

  • Complete a NEW APPLICATION to receive Status COVID-19/Flu A&B test kits. The administration of this test is different enough from other tests that we wanted each facility to ensure they review the training video and complete the DHSS Training Verification form, as a part of the application process. Visit the DHSS Rapid Antigen Test Kit Application and Resource Page for testing resources.
  • Provide any updates to onsite testing locations and testing staff for onsite testing.

Visit the DHSS Rapid Antigen Test Kit Application and Resource Page for testing resources.

If you have questions about starting a COVID-19 testing program, contact SHS@health.mo.gov.

At-home Testing

Schools distributing COVID-19 tests for home use may reference DHSS’s At-home COVID Test Distribution Guide.

DESE Related COVID-19 Information

DESE Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

The Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education and Health and Senior Services have updated the state’s Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools to Support Safe In-Person Learning.

The document contains information about:

  • CDC’s Operational Guidance, which shares best practice recommendations to prevent and mitigate COVID-19
  • CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels that help communities and individuals make decisions on what COVID-19 prevention strategies to use based on their community’s classification
  • Missouri’s COVID-19 Antigen Testing Program that continues to be available to any school interested