Free and Voluntary Baseline COVID-19 Testing Aug. 10 - 21

Aug. 5, 2020

 

Dear Colleagues:

We sincerely appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support in being proactive in response to our recent communication regarding the campus protocol for submitting an online report for potential exposure and/or positive testing for the COVID-19 virus.

As another proactive strategy to help protect the health and well-being of our campus community, Fresno State, in partnership with Valley Children’s Healthcare (VCH), is offering voluntary and one-time COVID-19 testing at no cost. 

This testing will be offered only to students and faculty who will be on campus for the fall 2020 semester for in-person classes, and to staff (including student assistants) who are currently working on campus this summer or have been approved to return to work on campus in August.

While this baseline testing is voluntary, our university administration is strongly encouraging participation in order to reduce the spread of the virus as we begin to repopulate the campus. By participating in this baseline testing, you will be helping to ensure the health and welfare of our campus community.

TESTING DATES AND LOCATION

Voluntary baseline testing will be offered at the Save Mart Center on the following dates (between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Please note that you do not have to register in advance. In addition, if you are not able to attend on the designated day for your division or group, you may choose to be tested on any of the following days.

Monday, Aug. 10 – Friday, Aug. 21 (excluding Aug. 16)      

• Faculty and students who will be on campus for the fall 2020 semester for in-person classes.

Monday, Aug. 10              

• Division of Administration and Finance 

Tuesday, Aug. 11              

• Division of Administration and Finance
• Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Wednesday, Aug. 12

• Dining/Housing/Programs for Children staff
• Office of the President
• Technology Services
• University Advancement

Thursday, Aug. 13            

• Athletics staff

Friday, Aug. 14                  

• Academic Affairs
• Make-Up Day (for those who were not able to participate on their division or group’s designated day)

Saturday, Aug. 15             

• Fresno State Housing Residents

PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL FOR TESTING

• Using your cell phone, please complete the Daily Health-Screening Tool found here, and bring your phone to the testing site to demonstrate 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.)
• Plan to arrive at the northwest entrance to the Save Mart Center.
• Bring a photo ID.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TESTING

As part of the baseline testing, VCH staff will administer a COVID-19 nasal swab test. Please be advised that 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. 

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

When you participate in the baseline 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.

Fresno State is appreciative for the partnership and collaboration with Valley Children’s Healthcare in offering this important service for our campus community.

 

Sincerely,

Janell Morillo, Ed.D.

Associate Vice President, Student Health, Counseling and Wellness