November 12, 2020
The partnership between Berkeley Unified and Curative is designed to increase the safety of all BUSD staff who work at a school or department. Here are the answers to some common questions about mandatory employee COVID-19 testing. We will update this document as our partnership and protocols continue to evolve.
Question: How does Curative’s COVID-19 testing registration and appointment system work?
Answer: Curative’s online system uses a registration link that is specific to the “BUSD Only” days that Berkeley Unified has organized for our staff. Curative uses a different link for BUSD employees who would like to be tested on regular “Open to Public” testing day.
To register for the Friday November 13 “BUSD Only” testing day: To register for a COVID-19 test on Friday, November 13, please follow the corrected link that was emailed to staff on November 12. You will receive confirmation of a “walk-up” test and you can come any time between 9:00 and 12:30 and between 1:00 and 3:40.
If you are required to test and can’t come on November 13, please contact your supervisor.
Here’s how to test with Curative on any other “Open to the Public” testing day (Monday – Saturday). Register directly at curative.com and make an appointment for a specific place, day and time. (Currently there are sites in Berkeley, San Francisco, and the Peninsula.) Those results will not be uploaded to BUSD and it will be the responsibility of the employee to upload the results through the BUSD Employee COVID-19 Test Results Form. Please check on testing hours at other locations and note that testing hours at Berkeley Adult School are from 9:00 to 12:30 and between 1:00 and 3:00 pm on all days other than November 13.
Question: What if I can get a COVID-19 test somewhere else? Do I have to test at Curative’s Berkeley Adult School location?
Answer: For your own convenience, we encourage you to use the Curative “BUSD ONLY” test days so the tests can be done during your scheduled workday, and results shared with little interruption.
Please be aware that BUSD will not reimburse any employee for COVID-19 testing costs if you choose to use a test company that is not Curative. However, you can choose to be tested by a different COVID-19 testing company or by your healthcare provider. If you choose a different test location, or are tested by Curative on a day that is not set aside for BUSD employees exclusively, Berkeley Unified requires that you submit an electronic copy of your test results.
- Upload an electronic copy of your test results using this BUSD Employee COVID-19 Test Results form.
Question: I registered for my Curative COVID test but then I was turned away. Why did this happen?
Answer: It’s possible that you may have showed up for an “Open to Public” day by registering with the BUSD link, in which case you were registered but did not have an appointment as required.. We apologize if you had this experience. We are working to clarify with Curative their procedures so that this doesn’t happen again.
Question: What is involved in registering online for a Curative COVID-19 test? Can I register quickly while on a break?
Answer: Registration takes a few minutes. You will need to input your name, address, and birthday, and upload a picture of the front and back of your insurance card.
Question: What happens if I can’t complete my registration?
Answer: Due to high volume, there have been some instances where a user is unable to complete a registration. Curative advised that you log out and begin the process again if this occurs.
Question: How frequently will BUSD staff be required to take a COVID test?
Answer: Between now and January 4, 2021, Berkeley Unified is asking all employees who work on any campus or BUSD location for one day per week of more to be test three times:
- One COVID-19 test on or before November 13
- One COVID-19 test right after Thanksgiving break, on either November 30 or December 1
- One COVID-19 test right after Winter break, on either January 3 or 4
After January 4, 2021, we will ask employees to be tested every two weeks, and we are working with Curative to make tests accessible at your work location. We will continue to consult with public health officials about the frequency of employee testing.
Question: Do I have to get tested if I only come to the campus on a limited basis?
Answer: If you come to a BUSD campus or department one day per week or more, then you must take a COVID-19 test. (Please think of a “day” as three or more hours.) If you come to a campus less than one day per week, you do not need to take a COVID-19 test. Your principal or department manager will be required to submit a list of names of all the employees who work onsite one day per week or more to the BUSD District Nurse.
Question: What are the hours for Curative testing at Berkeley Adult School?
Answer: Curative is open for testing at Berkeley Adult School on Monday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. They have extended their hours for BUSD staff only for the November 13 testing date and will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on that day. You must arrive by 3:40 pm to check-in on November 13.
Note that Curative takes a lunch break from 12:30 – 1:00 pm.
Question: If I take a COVID-19 test at Berkeley Adult School, will this increase my personal health insurance costs?
Answer: No. Taking a test at Curative will not cost you anything. The District has partnered with Curative to perform COVID testing for all BUSD staff, and Curative will bill your insurance company directly, with no out-of-pocket expense for you.
Question: What if I don’t have insurance through BUSD and I am covered under my spouse’s/partner’s insurance plan?
Answer: For classified employees who choose the “Cash in Lieu” option because you have insurance through your spouse or partner, Curative will bill the insurance company that covers you, regardless of who the primary subscriber is.
Question: What if it rains on the 13th or any other testing day?
Answer: The Curative COVID-19 testing kiosk is located in the Berkeley Adult School parking lot and was chosen because of its central location and ample parking. If it is raining on the day you are tested, please dress for the weather and bring an umbrella.
