A pilot program for COVID-19 testing was tentatively scheduled to start Jan. 6 in the Bainbridge Island School District.

The district is one of 12 statewide selected to participate, in partnership with the state Department of Health and the Gates Foundation.

The state-funded pilot is for voluntary COVID screening and testing for staff and students in the BISD. A news release says the goals are to help contain the virus, protect communities, open up opportunities for in-person learning, and keep students and teachers safe.

The testing helps BISD add another layer of coronavirus prevention as it transitions from all remote learning to some in-person learning in a hybrid model planned for later this month.

Testing was set to start Wednesday, if BISD received the tests in time. Tests are available only to those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. However, the district will provide testing for teachers and staff who do not have symptoms as a way to screen for COVID in the community. Reservations are required, but there is no cost. A cheek-swab test done yourself is being used. Results will be available 36-48 hours after the test.

Volunteers will staff the site at the district office, provide participants with the test and monitor the process.