COVID-19 Testing

TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO

We look forward to welcoming you to campus this fall. Due to COVID-19, we're taking a number of steps in the interest of health and safety for you to learn, research, create, and work on campus. We've been busy preparing for your arrival. You'll see face coverings, hand sanitizer stations, one-way entrances and exits, de-densified indoor spaces, outdoor classrooms, and study spaces and other measures that together are intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

[student approaches interactive temperature app] Please get close for taking temperature.

Normal temperature. 

These measures also include a minimum of twice-weekly COVID testing for on-campus students and weekly testing for faculty and staff at our own testing center located adjacent to Alumni House.

[staff member greets student arriving for a test] Hi. May I see your college ID? Sure.

Testing is quick, easy, and painless, and one way you'll be helping to keep yourself and our community safe.

[staff member greets student arriving for a test] Hello. How you doing? We're going to start with your cotton tip applicator facing down.

 The whole process should take only a couple of minutes.

[staff member describing the test] Then we'll switch and do the opposite nostril. The cotton tip is going to face down into the tube, and then you can replace the top and you'll place your whole tube in the red bin. Then I'll have you follow the arrows to the exit. Hand sanitizers on the way out.

If a case of COVID-19 is confirmed, it is critically important that we identify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. If you test positive or have been exposed to the virus, you will receive a call from one of the college's contact tracers. You'll be provided with information about the virus and support resources and asked about your recent activities, where you've been, and who you've been around.

[contact tracer] I understand that you heard from Dr. Jones earlier today about your COVID test result.

It's important that you be candid and honest when speaking with a contact tracer. Your health and that of those around you depend on it.

[student responding to contact tracer] Yeah, on Thursday, I think I had psychology in the morning. So that was in-person class, and then I also had math in the afternoon.

Every member of our community must take an active role to help minimize the spread of the virus. This includes not only our testing and contact tracing programs, but also daily health screenings, online health and safety training, and an app that tracks compliance with all of these measures.

Each of us at Amherst is responsible for protecting the herd.