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COVID-19 Update: Carolina Together Testing Program

Posted by University Communications, Friday, January 29th, 2021

Dear Carolina Community,

We have had another busy week with the Carolina Together Testing Program this week. As of this morning, we have conducted more than 25,000 tests since our first day. The positivity rate for the asymptomatic evaluation testing through the program remains 0.6%, which is close to the average positivity rate at other university testing programs. Over the last two weeks, there has been little or no waiting for most of the day. The longest wait has been 15 minutes during our peak times, which is typically the opening hour and around lunch time.

While we are currently averaging approximately 27 hours for returning results, the turnaround can be up to 48 hours based on the daily testing participation, so if you haven’t received your results notification within a day, please be patient.

We are sharing a few reminders about asymptomatic testing and your participation in the program, as well as the latest testing center hours and parking information, below.

Testing Availability

First, it is important to note that the Carolina Together Testing Centers are for asymptomatic testing only. Any symptomatic, close contact or testing related to clusters will continue to occur at Campus Health for students and the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic for faculty and staff. We have created a chart on the Carolina Together website to help you determine the appropriate place to get tested. This distinction is important because it helps limit any spread from occurring in the testing centers. If you are experiencing symptoms, visit the Carolina Together website for instructions on what to do.

If you have received a positive test result, please immediately follow the University’s COVID-19 Community Standards on quarantine and isolation. Do not return to a testing center and attempt to confirm your positive result with another test. Learn more about quarantine and isolation on the Carolina Together website.

Also, the testing centers are for current students, faculty and staff. If you are a former student or employee in the area and need access to asymptomatic testing, you can visit the community testing sites hosted by the Orange County Health Department, including one at the R7 parking lot near our campus.

Testing and the COVID-19 Community Standards

Testing is one part of a comprehensive approach to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which also includes following 3Ws and limiting social interactions and large gatherings, especially in indoor spaces. It is important to know that a test result is only a snapshot of your status at the moment the test was taken, so you must remain vigilant and continue to follow the University COVID-19 Community Standards, even when you have tested negative.

HallPass Partial Results Notification

We have received some questions when people receive a “partial result” on the results page of HallPass. This designation means one of two things – either your results are complete but pending medical approval or the test needs to be rerun to confirm the results. Please be patient and your record will be updated soon. Continue to check HallPass for updates.

Hours and Parking

In addition, the hours for the coming weekend and week are below.

  • Frank Porter Graham Student Union, gallery space, side closest to Davis Library
    • Monday through Friday, 7am-6pm
    • Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm
    • Parking is available in the Undergraduate Library Parking Lot
  • CURRENT ArtSpace + Studio
    • Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm
    • Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm
    • Parking is available in the Granville Towers West Parking Lot
  • UNC Rams Head Recreation Center, multi-purpose room, closest to dining hall
    • Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm
    • Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm
    • Parking is available in the Rams Head Parking Deck
      • Pull ticket from machine upon entry
      • Validate parking at the testing site
      • Give validation ticket to parking attendant upon exit

You can find maps to the parking locations on the Carolina Together website. There are signs for designated spots at the Undergraduate Library lot and at Granville Towers.

Once again, we want to thank the dedicated faculty, staff and volunteers who are working tirelessly to make this program a success. We appreciate everything they are doing to protect our community. And of course, thanks to each of you who have participated in the testing program and provided feedback on how we can continue to improve the process. Our only additional ask is for you to continue to remain vigilant by following your testing requirements and the COVID-19 Community Standards, and to encourage those around you to do the same.

Sincerely,

The Carolina Together Testing Program Team

 

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