Editor’s note: All testing slots for the days of Nov. 23 and 24 are now full. There will be no walk-in testing.
UNMC faculty, staff and students on the Omaha campus will be able to receive free COVID-19 testing prior to Thanksgiving at the Center for Healthy Living.
The testing, designed for individuals who are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, will take place in the gymnasium from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 23 and 24 on a walk-in basis. Participants are asked to bring their ID badge and must follow campus safety protocols of wearing a mask, social distancing and self-screening with the 1-Check app upon entrance. Individuals who are ill should contact their provider or health clinic.
“We are especially encouraging those who plan to leave town to gather with family to get screened,” said Ted Cieslak, MD, interim executive director for health security at UNMC. “They will get their results within a day and, assuming they test negative, can enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday with peace of mind.”
Dr. Cieslak said a nose swab process will be used instead of the more intrusive deep nasopharyngeal test. Individuals even will have the option of swabbing their own noses or having a nurse perform the swabbing.
As a reminder, a negative test is not a free pass to disregard public health protocols. A negative COVID-19 test is a snapshot in time and is not representative of the hours and days that follow. Individuals should continue to wear a face mask, social distance, limit crowds, self-screen with the 1-Check app and wash their hands frequently.
Individuals who test positive should contact Student Health or Employee Health for further guidance, including how best to self-isolate so as not to further transmit the virus. Students who test positive may arrange for food deliveries through the UNMC/UNO Food Pantry.
The on-campus testing is made possible by members of the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory and nurses from the Biocontainment Unit. At any time, individuals also may be tested at any of the testing centers in the region or at home. Contact Student Health or Employee Health if you have any questions.
Guidelines for ways in which faculty, staff and students can safely enjoy the holiday can be found here.
Are you referring to the gymnasium on the UNMC Campus Store building?
Thank you.
E. Silva, MD, PhD
Yes, testing will be at the Center for Healthy Living, which houses the gymnasium and the campus bookstore.
Can Nebraska Medicine employees get tested too? Or is this strictly for UNMC faculty, staff and students?
The testing is for UNMC personnel and students only.
Will it be RT-PCR test or rapid antigen?
Where should we enter? I am not familiar with where the gym is located? Or will there be signs directing us where to go? Thank you.
I just saw a new email that says it is only from 5-7pm on Monday the 23rd, is this website stating that it is from 8-11:30am wrong then?? Please clarify.