Dear Students,
In light of the surge of COVID-19 cases across the United States, and because of test kits provided by New York State, Colgate will offer voluntary antigen testing for all interested students next week.
Although Colgate’s COVID-19 test positivity rate has yielded zero positive cases for four weeks in a row and therefore indicates no need for testing all students, the state has supplied these tests and encouraged institutions of higher education to conduct such tests prior to students’ departure from campus. Therefore, voluntary pre-departure testing will take place Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 16 and 17, in lieu of the weekly random 6-10% testing the University has conducted throughout the semester.
If you would like to participate, please sign up for a time slot using the button below.
It is important to note that, if you have a positive result, Colgate will conduct a PCR test to confirm the positive test. If that also comes back positive, and you do not live within 4 to 6 hours of campus, you will be required to isolate and will not be able to travel until after the 10-day isolation period has concluded. The Madison County Department of Health will also conduct contact tracing of any positive individuals — any close contacts will also need to quarantine according to state guidelines and will not be able to travel until after the quarantine period. Colgate will support all students throughout isolation/quarantine.
Testing will take place in the Ho Atrium (Cunniff Commons) and the Hall of Presidents. Please access the atrium via the academic quad entrance and the HOP testing site through the patio entrance facing Case-Geyer Library.
Anyone one who receives a positive result will be notified by Student Health Services (SHS) on the day of the test. If you do not hear from SHS, your test result was negative. All participants will also receive a paper copy of their test results through campus mail.
If you plan to participate in this opportunity, please remember that a negative result provides only a snapshot of a moment in time. It does not prevent you from contracting the virus or becoming a close contact the hour, day, or week after you take your test. It does not prevent you from contracting COVID-19 during your travels home. Vigilance is crucial, and we ask that you continue your commitment to public health precautions while on campus and throughout your travels home.
Many thanks to SHS for facilitating this testing process, and thanks to you as well for maintaining your commitment to community health.
Sincerely,
Dan Gough
Associate Vice President
Campus Safety, Environmental Health, and Emergency Management