The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced $10 billion allocated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help states and territories provide COVID-19 testing for teachers, school staff and students. The aim is to help schools reopen safely for in-person instruction. Health departments should expect to receive final awards in early April. In a separate effort, state, local and territorial health departments may also apply for a portion of $2.25 billion in grants designated to address COVID-19-related health disparities among high-risk and underserved populations. The grants will support testing and contact tracing, resources for prevention and mitigation resources, data collection and reporting efforts and infrastructure expansion. (HHS news release, 3/17/21)
