FEB. 24, 2021 UPDATE
Testing for the Week of March 1
- Monday, March 1: 1–5 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 2: 1–5 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 3: 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
- Thursday, March 4: 1–5 p.m.
FEB. 17, 2021 UPDATE
Asymptomatic Testing Canceled This Week
Due to winter weather and the resulting closure of the UM Oxford campus on Thursday (2/18) and Friday (2/19), the university’s Asymptomatic Testing this week is canceled. Testing will resume next week at the University-Oxford Depot on the regularly scheduled days:
- Monday and Tuesday from 1–5 p.m.
- Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
FEB. 16, 2021 UPDATE
Testing on Wednesday Feb. 17 Canceled
Due to winter weather and the resulting closure of the UM Oxford campus, the university’s Asymptomatic Testing regularly scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17 is canceled. At this time, the testing schedule for the remainder of this week will be:
- Thursday Feb. 18, 1–5 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 19, 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
We will monitor weather conditions and share any further changes to the testing schedule.
FEB. 15, 2021 UPDATE
Testing on Tuesday Feb. 16 Postponed
Due to winter weather and the resulting closure of the UM Oxford campus, the university’s Asymptomatic Testing regularly scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16 will be postponed until Thursday Feb. 18, 1–5 p.m. At this time, testing regularly scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m.–12 noon will remain scheduled. Testing for this week, which is held at the University-Oxford Depot, will be:
- Wednesday, Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
- Thursday Feb. 18, 1–5 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 19, 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
FEB. 14, 2021 UPDATE
Testing on Monday Feb. 15 Postponed
Due to winter weather and the resulting closure of the UM Oxford campus, the university’s Asymptomatic Testing regularly scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15 will be postponed until Friday Feb. 19, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. At this time, testing regularly scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1–5 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m.–12 noon will remain scheduled for now. We will monitor weather conditions and share any further changes to the testing schedule. Since the testing program does not require a specific appointment day or time, you can still sign up for testing and go any day and time that it will be offered this week.
FEB. 5, 2021 UPDATE
New Testing Location
Due to winter weather, beginning Feb. 8 and until further notice, the university’s Asymptomatic Testing will transition from drive-through testing in the Ford Center parking lot to walk-in testing at the University-Oxford Depot, which is located in the lower parking lot, north of the Ford Center. The facility includes an ADA compliant access ramp, and designated parking will be provided for individuals getting tested. All other details of the testing program remain the same.
JAN. 20, 2021 UPDATE
Free Asymptomatic Testing Continues
- Monday, 1–5 p.m.
- Tuesday, 1–5 p.m.
- Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
No need to complete a survey. You simply fill out your paperwork, show up and get tested — it’s that easy! To schedule your test:
- Text “2020” to 833-991-3009, click this LINK OR scan this QR code:
- Complete the Testing Intake Form
- You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
- Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week.
Win prizes and get free Ole Miss swag! In addition to identifying asymptomatic cases, testing enables us to maintain, and possibly expand, on-campus operations activities. Information about positivity rate, participation, and number of asymptomatic cases will facilitate informed, data-driven decisions about social events and activities.
Visit https://ael.luminatehealth.com to create an account and see your results. When you login and click on your results, click on the blue “COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). From that page, you can click on the PDF and it will give the full details. If you have questions regarding accessing your results or your Sonic MyAccess account, please email Ashley.Thompson@pmgusa.org, visit http://interop.sonichealth.us/Contact/AEL/results or call 877-277-6642.
OVERVIEW
The University of Mississippi offers free asymptomatic (i.e., without symptoms) COVID-19 testing for faculty, staff and students on campus. This testing and data collection involve asymptomatic testing of our population and adds to the current protections to keep our community safe. Managing COVID-19 is a shared responsibility. For more information, see this overview video from Provost Noel Wilkin, read this news story, or visit the Sentinel Testing Program dashboard.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of asymptomatic testing?
This program is designed to track and understand the asymptomatic presence of coronavirus in our community. We understand that some people who are infected with the virus don’t ever show symptoms. Yet, they can spread illness to others. By identifying those who do not have symptoms, it adds another tool to help us protect our community. This testing program will also enable us to predict the number of asymptomatic carriers, better understand virus spread, and make decisions or adjust protocols in light of that base rate.
Does the CDC recommend asymptomatic testing?
In areas with moderate to substantial community transmission where resources allow, local health officials and institutions of higher education may consider testing some or all asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff who have no known exposure (e.g., students in congregate housing such as residence halls) to identify outbreaks and inform control measures. For more information, see the CDC site.
How will I know if I can get tested?
The university’s asymptomatic testing is for faculty, staff and students on campus.
What are the steps to get a test?
- Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 or click on this link
- Complete the Testing Intake Form
- You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
- Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week.
What kind of test is it?
The COVID-19 test is a PCR test that requires swabbing both nostrils with a Qtip-like swab.
How do I access my results?
You must create a Sonic MyAccess account to receive your results. Visit https://ael.luminatehealth.com to create an account and see your results.
When will I get my results?
Most test results will be received within 24 hours.
How do I read the results of my test? Where does it show that it was a PCR test?
When you login and click on your results, click on the blue “COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). From that page, you can click on the PDF and it will give the full details.
What if I have questions about the process or about my results?
If you have questions regarding accessing your results or your Sonic MyAccess account, please go to http://interop.sonichealth.us/Contact/AEL/results or call 877-277-6642.
Will you share the results of individual tests?
Positive test results will be communicated to the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Contact Tracing Team, as required.
If I participate in asymptomatic testing am I required to quarantine?
Students, faculty and staff tested as part of this program are not required to quarantine.
What if I test positive?
Isolation will be required if you test positive. Students will need to report their positive to Student Health, and if they live in on-campus housing, report to the Office of Student Housing or the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. Faculty and staff will need to report to Employee Health and notify their supervisor.
When and where does the testing occur?
Testing will take place three times a week as noted below. Due to winter weather, beginning Feb. 8 and until further notice, the program will be offered as walk-in testing at the University-Oxford Depot, which is located in the lower parking lot, north of the Ford Center. The facility includes an ADA compliant access ramp, and designated parking will be provided for individuals getting tested.
- Monday, 1-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, 1-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
How long will the asymptomatic testing be offered?
The university will provide asymptomatic testing through the spring 2021 semester.
How often will overall data and results from asymptomatic testing be shared?
The university has created a dashboard to share data about asymptomatic testing. The dashboard is housed on the same page as the COVID-19 dashboard and can be found by scrolling down the page. The dashboard will be updated weekly each Friday.
Do I have other options for asymptomatic testing?
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) offers universal testing in every county for college and university students, faculty and staff including symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. You can be tested free of charge at any county health department testing locations listed on this page, or daily at the free testing site in Jackson. Testing is offered at these locations only on scheduled days (see complete list of locations and testing days here) and you will need to make an appointment before you visit by filling out an online questionnaire.
Additionally, Walgreens announced that they are offering contactless COVID-19 testing for patients age 3 and up at select locations, in partnership with the PWNHealth provider network. Visit this page for more information including the locations of participating Walgreens.