COVID-19 Testing | COVID-19

Getting Tested

How the Test Works

See the testing center and procedure (and how simple the COVID-19 test is!) in our brief video.

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.

Testing Frequency

November 29, 2021

test tube with sample to be tested for covid

STUDENT TESTING

After the initial testing protocol upon arrival, all students will be tested two times a week. They will be assigned two testing days (the first day will be either Sunday or Monday and the second day will be either Wednesday or Thursday) and will be responsible for signing up for a time on those days.

FACULTY AND STAFF TESTING

Faculty and staff who work the better part of three or more days on campus will be tested two times per week, with at least one full day between tests. Those working fewer than three days on campus will be tested one time per week.

Remote employees can test up to one time per week, after being added to the testing list by their division.

VISITOR AND CONTRACTOR TESTING

(Updated Dec 3, 2021) All visitors/contractors needing to enter campus buildings (except for guests at public events) or be in direct contact with community members must participate in the College’s testing program. Amherst guidelines require that such individuals be tested once or twice weekly, depending on the amount of time spent on campus and regardless of vaccination status. The department host/sponsor is responsible for registering visitors/contractors for testing (additional information available by following this link). Very limited exceptions (e.g. delivery persons) can be requested by emailing covidtesting@amherst.edu.

Visitors/contractors who will be exclusively outdoors and not in direct contact with others do not need to test.

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING

Employees, visitors, and visitors/contractors testing for the first time or re-entering the testing program after a time away, and needing (or preferring) immediate access to campus buildings, may schedule an appointment for that day and request a rapid antigen test when they arrive for testing. A negative antigen test allows for immediate building access. They should set aside at least 20 minutes, plus any time they may need to wait in line, if they wish to take advantage of this option. The rapid antigen test is in addition to a PCR test; both will be performed.

close-up of someone opening a swab package to take a covid test

COVID-19 Dashboard

See the results of testing of Amherst College faculty, staff, and students who are being tested routinely on campus. The data are updated every weekday.

Dashboard

Broad Institute Lab Tour

November 2020

Take a video tour of the Broad Institute’s COVID-19 testing lab with scientists who explain the novel automation system for COVID-19 test processing.

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