In a pilot experiment that began this week, families in nine Marin schools will receive free at-home fast COVID-19 test kits. The goal of the experiment is to explore if the at-home kits will help children in Marin, and eventually state-wide, reduce the spread of the virus, particularly in the 5 to 11-year-old age group, who aren’t yet eligible for the vaccine.

The at-home tests should only be used on students or employees who are experiencing symptoms, such as fevers, headaches, runny noses, or coughing. They are not eligible to take the at-home tests under the present pilot experiment if they were exposed to the virus but did not show symptoms.