The University of Maryland announced yesterday that all UMD students must take a COVID-19 test after arriving for the fall semester, in addition to the testing required of all students, faculty and staff within 14 days before they come to campus, following University System of Maryland guidance.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a list of community-based testing sites. In addition, free campus testing will be offered to students, faculty and staff at Maryland Stadium from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday the weeks of Aug. 17, 24 and 31. Visit the registration site for an appointment. Anyone tested on campus should receive results within four days.
All students must sign up for this PCR-based testing, generally on the date of their scheduled arrival. Students living near campus in other private student housing (such as University View, the Varsity, Terrapin Row and the Landmark) should sign up for testing Aug. 17-28. All other students should sign up Aug. 31- Sept. 4. Commuting students can elect to have their second test after Aug. 23 at a local test site where they live.
Those who get tested are asked to stay home and self-monitor for virus symptoms until receiving the result. Those who test negative for COVID-19 must provide the university with confirmation. The University Health Center will share details on how to upload test results soon. Anyone who tests positive will need to self-isolate at home for 14 days, as directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before taking another test.
Students who test positive may spend the isolation at their permanent home or in temporary isolation housing on campus. The university expects positive test results, so it has plans and procedures in place to assist students during the isolation or quarantine period.
“Let us work together during this historic pandemic to create the safest environment possible and to protect those who are at greatest risk of severe illness if they contract the coronavirus,” Dr. Sacared Bodison, interim director of the University Health Center, wrote in an email to students. “We are not powerless. Let’s focus on what we can control—wearing a face covering, keeping 6-feet physical distance and washing hands frequently.”
Faculty and staff who participated in the university’s voluntary testing events on June 8-9 and July 14-15 do need to get tested again.
Testing is not required for employees exclusively working remotely, but those who must come to campus for a brief visit are expected to complete the daily symptom monitoring requirement and comply with the 4 Maryland community standards while on campus.
