July 27, 2020  | 4:30 PM

 

To: Graduate Students

Cc: Directors of Graduate Studies, Program Directors, and Program Administrators

 

Subject: COVID-19 Testing Procedures for Emory Students   

 

 

Emory is committed to creating a welcoming and safe environment for our newest university students and those students who will be returning to campus this fall. We are implementing new safety measures to ensure our community is healthy upon arrival to campus. COVID-19 testing will be required for all students who plan to be on campus this fall. Students can schedule their on-campus COVID-19 tests to align as closely as possible with their campus arrival dates. Below you will find additional information pertaining to the on-campus testing process.

 

If you have trouble accessing the testing registration page, contact RTC-studentcovidtesting@emory.edu.

 

Please visit the Student Health Services website for further information related to COVID-19 Testing.

 

Prioritizing Safety

 

Emory has partnered with Peachtree Immediate Care[1] to perform return-to-campus COVID-19 testing.  Peachtree will conduct the rapid antigen test using a nasal swab (Anterior Nares) collection. Results are processed onsite while you wait. 

 

Testing site staff will wear required personal protective gear and practice safe medical protocols consistent with public health and CDC guidelines for this type of testing. Face coverings/masks are required to enter any of the testing locations.  

 

Testing Timeframe

 

Plan for your testing visit to be 60 minutes or less. However, during high volume testing periods, processing time may be longer. Additionally, unexpected delays may occur (e.g., inclement weather, health emergencies, etc.). We appreciate your support and patience with this very important return-to-campus testing process.

 

Required Forms for Testing

 

All students are required to print, complete, and sign a HIPAA Authorization form and a Consent Treatment form prior to testing. Please print, sign and bring these items with you.  (If patient (student) is under 18 years old, the HIPAA Authorization form must be signed by the patient’s parent or legal guardian on behalf of the patient.)

 

 

Testing Sites and Procedures

 

Emory will have two types of testing facilities: drive-thru and walk-up. Both will require everyone to wear a face covering/ mask in compliance with the university face covering policy.

• Drive-thru testing locations are for students arriving to campus in their personal vehicles.
• Walk-up testing locations are for students arriving to campus via rideshare, bus/shuttle or other modes of transportation.

 

Note to all students:  If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 over the 14 days prior to your planned arrival to campus, please stay home and access care through the Student Health Portal. Send a message to the COVID-19 Assessment Provider who will call you with further instructions between 9am – 4pm. After hours, call 404-727-7551 and press “0” for further assessment and instructions.

 

 

Drive-Thru Testing Process

• Students are required to wear a mask throughout the testing process (except during nasal swab collection where they will be asked to lower the mask below the nose).
• Vehicles will enter the testing site and immediately fill into a line and follow these steps:
  • Identification: All students will be asked to show their Emory IDs to confirm identity. (First-year students who do not yet have their Emory IDs will be asked to show government issued identification.)
  • Welcome Kit: While in the line, an Emory staff member will welcome students to the site and give each student an Emory Safety Tool Kit containing important safety items along with a health and safety brochure.
  • Health Screening:  A Peachtree Immediate Care healthcare professional will approach the vehicle and ask the student a series of screening questions. These screening questions are important to identify whether or not a student is symptomatic. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 over the 14 days prior to your planned arrival to campus, please stay home and access care through the  Student Health Portal. Send a message to the COVID-19 Assessment Provider who will call you with further instructions between 9am – 4pm. After hours, call 404-727-7551 and press “0” for further assessment and instructions.
  • COVID-19 Test: Once screening questions are complete, the student will move through the vehicle line to the swabbing area. A representative from Peachtree Immediate Care will perform the nasal swab.
  • Waiting Area: Once the student swab collection has been completed, the driver of the vehicle will be directed to park the vehicle in a designated spot while awaiting test results. Results are generally available in 20-30 minutes. Students and those accompanying them should remain in their vehicles during the resulting period.

 

Walk-Up Testing Process

• Walk-up testing locations are for students arriving to campus via rideshare, bus/shuttle or other modes of transportation.
• Students are required to wear a face covering/mask throughout the testing process (except during nasal swab collection where they will be asked to lower the mask below the nose).
  • Check In: Upon arrival to the testing site, all students will be asked to show their Emory IDs to confirm identity. (First-year students who do not yet have their Emory IDs will be asked to show government issued identification.) If students have belongings with them, they will be stored in a secure location during the testing period.
  • Physical Distance: Students will be put into the testing line physically distanced from others at all times except during the swabbing procedure.
  • Welcome Kit: While in the line, an Emory staff member will welcome students to the site and give each student an Emory Safety Tool Kit containing important safety items along with a health and safety brochure.
  • Health Screening:  A Peachtree Immediate Care healthcare professional will approach the student and ask a series of screening questions. These screening questions are important to identify if a student is symptomatic.  If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 over the 14 days prior to your planned arrival to campus, please stay home and access care through the  Student Health Portal. Send a message to the COVID-19 Assessment Provider who will call you with further instructions between 9am – 4pm. After hours, call 404-727-7551 and press “0” for further assessment and instructions.
  • COVID-19 Test: Once screening questions are complete, students will move through the line to the swabbing area. A representative from Peachtree Immediate Care will perform the nasal swab.
  • Waiting Area: Once the student swab collection has been completed, the student will be directed to the resulting wait area. Results are generally available in 20-30 minutes.

 

COVID-19 Test Results:

• If You Have a Negative COVID-19 Test Result: You will receive a text message from Peachtree Immediate Care indicating you may now leave the testing area.
  • Note: If COVID-19 symptoms are present, Peachtree Immediate Care will administer a second test (PCR). If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 over the 14 days prior to your planned arrival to campus, please stay home and access care through the  Student Health Portal. Send a message to the COVID-19 Assessment Provider who will call you with further instructions between 9am – 4pm. After hours, call 404-727-7551 and press “0” for further assessment and instructions.

 

• If You Have a Positive COVID-19 Test Result: A representative from Peachtree Immediate Care will provide you with discharge paperwork containing guidance on next steps.
  • Residential students will receive information regarding transitioning to temporary isolation housing at the Emory Conference Center and Hotel.
  • Non-residential students will receive information regarding isolation in their off-campus residences.

 

Important Note:

It is very important, particularly during a pandemic that all students are immunized against vaccine preventable diseases. If you have not done so, please upload your immunization documents and submit your vaccination dates into the student health patient portal. Immunization compliance is a requirement for return-to-campus activities. If you are noncompliant upon arriving on campus, you will be directed to Student Health Services for an immunization assessment prior to housing check in. Immunization that require a series of vaccinations can be completed after arrival.

 

Please visit the Student Health Services website for further information related to COVID-19 Testing.

¹ Peachtree Immediate Care is a member of the Emory Healthcare Network- a clinically integrated network of Emory-employed and private-practice physicians who work together to create a single comprehensive care management system.