August 4, 2020
Dear Tulane Community:
COVID-19 testing is a core part of Tulane's Return to Campus plans, along with daily symptom checking, contact tracing, physical distancing, mandatory face coverings and good hygiene. Information in this email applies to both the uptown and downtown campuses, Primate Research Center, and all students — undergraduate, graduate, professional, and anyone who lives on or off campus.
Tulane's COVID-19 testing program is new. While we have clearly defined plans for its delivery, there will likely be unforeseen challenges in the weeks ahead. We ask for your patience and support as we work to build capacity and efficiency.
Important COVID-19 Testing Details
- Tulane University is requiring all faculty, staff and students to complete COVID-19 testing prior to their return to campus. Initial return testing for faculty, staff and students has begun and will end Aug. 18, 2020.
- Emails have been sent to the Tulane community to prompt test scheduling. You must schedule an appointment and go to the testing center with your QR Code. Do not schedule if you don’t have a QR code.
- Please schedule your appointment AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT WAIT to schedule until the last minute.
- APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED for safety purposes at both the Uptown and Downtown Testing Centers. We have a schedule to allow for social distancing and to manage flow and wait times. Do not visit a Testing Center without scheduling first.
- If you can’t make your scheduled appointment, cancel it through your patient portal and reschedule for a different time.
- Faculty, staff and students who are working remotely or are out of state and learning remotely for the entire semester, will not be tested. If you fall into this category, please email CHTestResults@wave.tulane.edu to unsubscribe to testing reminders.
- Please DO NOT CALL OR EMAIL the Student Health Center regarding surveillance testing. Email CHTestResults@wave.tulane.edu with questions and a staff member will follow-up with you.
- For the monthly COVID-19 testing program, records or results will not be accepted from outside providers. The testing must be performed at one of Tulane's testing sites.
- Test results will be processed by the Tulane School of Medicine Laboratory. We expect results to be returned within 24-36 hours. You will receive an email and/or phone call with your results.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, Campus Health will help you determine whether to isolate/quarantine at home. Tulane Contact Tracers will also contact you to determine any close contacts that may need to be notified and determine what areas on campus may need to be disinfected.
- This testing program is for asymptomatic individuals (people without symptoms of COVID-19). If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
- Students going through the Tulane Arrival Center will add themselves to the testing schedule when they arrive. They do not need to schedule ahead of time if they are at the Hyatt.
Testing Center Locations
There are testing locations uptown and downtown — you can schedule testing at either location.
- The Uptown Testing Center is at Tulane Paterson House, aka, Tulane Paterson Hall. You can use your smartphone maps to locate by entering Tulane Paterson Hall for directions on main campus.
- The Downtown Testing Center is next to Tulane Hospital’s LaSalle Garage exit, located at 226 South Villere Street, New Orleans, 70112.
Public Health Reminders
- Face coverings must be worn by all faculty, staff and students while inside a university facility or on any university property when in the presence of others (e.g., common workspaces, meeting rooms, etc.). Appropriate use of face coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others near you.
- All employees and students will be expected to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms by completing a brief daily COVID-19 symptom questionnaire prior to coming to campus for class or work or participating in a Tulane sponsored event off campus. You will receive a text message to complete this check daily. You can access a printable version by clicking here.
- If a student, faculty or staff member is confirmed positive for COVID-19, they should complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form so that contact tracing can be implemented. Faculty/staff should also report to their supervisor or chair. If the person testing positive for COVID-19 is unable to complete the form due to illness, a friend or the supervisor/chair can complete it on their behalf. Additional resources may be triggered following submission of the form.
Thank you,
Campus Health
