Expanded Schedule for Voluntary COVID-19 Testing

Dec. 1, 2020

 

Dear Campus Community,

Please note the following information is applicable only to students and faculty who are on campus this fall for in-person classes, to staff (including student assistants) approved to work on campus this fall and to residents living in Fresno State Student Housing.  

In an effort to protect the health and well-being of our campus community, I am pleased to announce that the University will be offering voluntary, weekly COVID-19 testing (at no cost) for students, faculty and staff who have been approved to be on campus during the fall 2020 semester and/or the month of January. The testing will be done by Valley Children’s Healthcare (VCH). No appointment is necessary. 

Although the testing is voluntary, our University administration strongly encourages participation given it is our collective responsibility to help reduce the spread of the virus, especially at a time when Fresno County is experiencing a surge in the number of positive cases and related hospitalizations. 

Today through Thursday: Testing will be available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. No appointment is necessary.

Starting next week (Dec. 9): Testing will be available weekly on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Save Mart Center, through Jan. 27. No appointment is necessary. (Testing will not be available on Dec. 30, when the campus is closed for Winter Break.)

February: Testing will revert to a monthly schedule throughout the spring semester for students, faculty and staff who have been approved to be on campus during that time frame. (Specific dates will be announced in January.)

PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL FOR TESTING

• Please complete the Daily Health-Screening Tool found here, and bring your phone to the testing site to confirm that you have been cleared to be on campus. (A device will be available at the site, if you do not have a cell phone or are not able to access the Daily Health-Screening Tool.)
• Arrive at the northwest entrance to the Save Mart Center.
• Bring a photo ID.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TESTING

As part of the testing, VCH staff will administer a COVID-19 nasal swab test. 

The University will not have access to test results for employees, which is considered private medical information. If an employee tests positive, they will be contacted directly by VCH. Please note VCH is required to report any positive cases to the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH). FCDPH would then notify the University in accordance with their required reporting and contact-tracing protocols.

The University’s Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC) will have access to test results for students. If a student tests positive, they will be contacted directly by the SHCC.

For more information about the voluntary COVID-19 testing, please refer to these related FAQs.

When you participate in the testing, please adhere to standard health protocols (e.g. wearing face covering and maintaining six feet physical distance). If you are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, please stay home and contact your medical provider.

Thank you all for doing your part to keep each other healthy. 

Sincerely,

Janell Morillo, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President, Student Health, Counseling and Wellness