Here is some important information about COVID-19 testing.

First, please research if your local context/city/state provides free COVID-19 tests.  know for states such as NC, GA, FL, AZ, NY, TN, and TX, Walgreens is providing FREE COVID-19 tests. You can find out which walgreens provides free tests near you. https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing I know a number of individuals who have been even though they hadn’t been displaying any symptoms. I also know that Maryland provides free testing too. If free testing is available, please pursue that option and schedule to be tested NEAR THE END OF JUNE or beginning of July. The reason for this specific date request is that we want to reduce as much as possible the number of days between when you were lasted tested and the beginning of Cornerstone. By being tested locally, we are able to use the COVID-19 antibody tests that we have throughout the program- not just during the program. For example, anyone who is able to be tested in their local context, will only need to take one test when they arrive at Cornerstone and will then be able to be tested again in the middle and/or at the end of Cornerstone. 

- For all NC, GA, FL, NY, TN, TX students, please set up a COVID-19 testing appointment with your local Walgreens by June 16th and let us know by June 16th that you have successfully scheduled an appointment.

- If you are not from one of those states, please research whether your local context provides COVID-19 tests and confirm with us by June 16th with us whether or not you are able to be tested locally. 

For those who aren’t able to be tested locally, let us know by June 16th and we will send you an antibody COVID-19 testing packet. If there are a number of you who live near the same city or in the same state (e.g. PA) that aren’t able to be tested locally, we will send all your tests to one centralized location (e.g. Freedom Church) and will request for a someone (preferably nurse/medical professional) to be able to administer the tests. You will need to travel to that centralized location to be tested. If you are the only one in your state and you aren’t able to be tested locally, we will send it to you and you will need to get someone (a parent or sibling) who is competent and willing to administer the test. We will send you a video with instructions.

In summary, by June 16th please schedule appointments to be tested in your local context (schedule to be tested the end of July or the beginning of August). Let us know that you have been able to do so. If your context does not provide free covid-19 tests, please also let us know by June 16th and we will send you the tests.