Students encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 before leaving Chapel Hill

Carolina students leaving Chapel Hill for winter break are strongly encouraged to get tested for COVID-19.

“Taking a COVID-19 test is an important step in protecting your family and friends who you may be reunited with over the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Campus Health Director Ken Pittman. “As you prepare to leave your residence halls, apartments and homes in town at the end of the semester, please make a plan to reduce your risk of being exposed to COVID-19 during the 14 days before you travel, monitor for symptoms and get tested before you leave. These steps are critical to helping prevent illness in the people you love.”

Campus Health will extend its hours at the Carolina Union for free asymptomatic testing during the week of Nov. 16 to accommodate the influx of students getting tested. With a new online platform, test results are expected to return within 1-2 days. Make a plan that allows you to receive the results before traveling.

Here’s what you need to know about asymptomatic testing the week of Nov. 16:

• Who: On and off-campus students who are asymptomatic and are not considered a close contact to a positive individual. NOTE: Symptomatic individuals and close contacts should contact Campus Health separately to get tested.
• When: Nov. 16-20 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (See the Campus Health website for times before and after the week of Nov. 16-20.)
• Where: Carolina Union Gallery area, outside of the Great Hall
• How: Saliva-based test; no nasal swabs. Students are asked not to eat, drink, smoke or chew gum for 30 minutes before getting tested. You will find more information and detailed instructions about testing at the Campus Health website.
• Parking: There are 10 spaces reserved in the Undergraduate Lot (N8)

People traveling at the end of the semester are also encouraged to check arrival requirements for your destination. Some places may require you to quarantine when you arrive.

While the COVID-19 test is important, it is one component of a comprehensive strategy to prevent spread. A negative test result represents your status at that moment in time, so it’s important to continue following recommended CDC guidance which includes limiting the number of individuals you interact with, limiting the time spent near other people and practicing the 3Ws — washing your hands frequently, wearing a face mask and waiting six feet from other people.

The Campus Health Testing Center will still be available for scheduled appointments for students who are symptomatic or are close contacts of individuals who have tested positive or those who believe they have been exposed. That testing takes place from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition, students are also encouraged to get a flu vaccination if they haven’t done so yet. Flu shots are available to students at the following on-campus locations:

• Student Stores Pharmacy – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The Student Stores Pharmacy is located on the third floor of the UNC Student Stores building.
• Campus Health Pharmacy – 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The flu clinic is outside at the loading dock area of Campus Health, between Kenan Stadium and UNC Hospitals.

Appointments are not required at either location. Students may also receive a flu vaccine by appointment at Campus Health anytime during open hours.