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Testing for COVID-19 is an important strategy to detect and slow the spread of the coronavirus, and OUs Monitoring and evaluation program has helped provide quick and easy testing for the entire community.
“Even with high vaccination rates, testing remains a vital and important tool,†said Brian Fox, executive director of the program. “A positive test early on in the disease allows people to isolate themselves, which reduces their chances of infecting others and allows them to seek treatment if necessary. And we have the capacity to handle 4,000 tests per week, which can meet the needs of both the campus community and the region. “
A weekly COVID-19 test is now mandatory for the small expected percentage of unvaccinated students and employees who choose an exemption. The weekly requirement takes effect Monday, September 27, the first day of classes.
COVID-19 testing is also encouraged for those vaccinated, including students living off-campus in group housing or apartments, faculty members, and employees whose jobs require them to be on campus and members. underserved communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Free COVID-19 test is intended for all UO employees, students and the Eugene / Springfield community at the Matthew Knight Arena and the Ford Alumni Center. The Monitoring and Assessment Program now uses a saliva test, which is less invasive than a nasal swab and allows for more testing.
Students based in Eugene can also earn a COVID-19 test at various places in the city. Portland students can take tests at Portland State UniversityCenter for Student Health and Guidance. Faculty, staff, and students at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology in Charleston should contact their local health care provider.
Individuals who develop Symptoms of covid19 and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 should contact their health care provider for information on testing.
Students can also contact University health services at 541-346-2770.
Who should be tested?
Weekly COVID-19 test is required for unvaccinated students and employees who choose an exemption. The weekly requirement takes effect Monday, September 27, the first day of classes. Portland students can take tests at Portland State UniversityCenter for Student Health and Guidance. Oregon Institute of Marine Biology faculty, staff, and students should contact their local health care provider.
What happens when a student, staff member, or is a faculty member positive for COVID-19?
Students and employees who have tested positive or believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to consult the COVID-19 exposure scenarios and tips for students and employees and complete the case and contact form for additional tips and resources.
The OU’s COVID-19 case management team has isolation, cleaning, accommodation and notification protocols for students.
Members of the Academic Health Services and Office of Human Resources team work closely with local public health authorities on case management and specific recommendations based on the unique needs of each case. For student cases, the OU team can assist Lane County Public Health in tracing the contacts.
How does the university provide information on positive COVID-19 cases to the OU?
OU reports all new positive and suspected positive cases of COVID-19 for people identified by a public health agency as being affiliated with the university, such as students or employees of a work group. We also report any positive cases of UO employees and students tested through the UO monitoring and evaluation program.
Anyone who has tested positive or may have been exposed to COVID-19 must complete the case and contact form for specific advice.
How does contact tracing work?
When someone in the OU community tests positive for COVID-19, local public health agencies take the initiative to contact the person who tested positive and the people they have been in contact with.
Officials from the county’s public health agencies – Lane County Public Health for Eugene, Health Multnomah County for Portland, and Coos County Health Department for Charleston – provide advice directly to these people.
Will I be notified if I have been in close contact with a positive case on the OU campus?
Yes. The university is notifying all potential close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases living or working on the OU campus.
This notification occurs within 24 hours of the OU’s case management team becoming aware of the confirmed positive case. This is in addition to the formal contact tracing conducted by local public health departments for every known positive case reported in the county.
Why should asymptomatic people get tested?
Many people are asymptomatic carriers of the virus. If you are asymptomatic, which means you have no symptoms of illness, you can prevent the spread of the virus to your family, friends and other community members by identifying the virus, isolating and cooperating with contact tracers. Additionally, participating in testing helps the UO develop strategies that local officials and university leaders can adopt to suppress the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
How will I receive the test results?
Test results are available through a secure results portal. During registration, each patient will be asked to provide an email address and phone number. Once the results are available, an email and SMS will be sent with the portal login information. This information will allow the patient to access the patient’s most recent test results. Additional information available on the how to get your results page.
Are my test results and information confidential?
Yes. All personal data collected for testing is protected in accordance with HIPAA regulations and will not be shared without your consent.
How can I find out more about COVID-19 testing at the OU?
See the full list of Testing and contact tracing faqs, or visit the MAP test web pages.
To learn more about plans for the new school year, check out the main #ForwardTogether page.
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