Mandatory testing begins at UW, will continue through Sunday

Uw reports that more than 2,500 University of Wyoming employees and students submitted saliva samples for required COVID-19 testing on Aug. 18, with at least three more days of testing planned for those who schedule online.

While the university stated it appreciates that so many people complied with the testing requirement yesterday, some arrived to be tested the initial morning of testing who hadn’t signed up for appointments, resulting in long lines outside the Crane-Hill Dining Center, where the testing is taking place. As a result, some individuals who were scheduled for testing yesterday were unable to do so. Those individuals are encouraged to reschedule by using the same link they received in emails earlier. Those who haven’t scheduled appointments are encouraged to do so.

All UW employees and students who’ll spend any time on campus this fall are required to be tested for COVID-19 in the next week. Students, faculty and staff have received individual emails directing them to schedule testing appointments between Thursday, Aug. 19, and Sunday, Aug. 22.

The testing requirement applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Students who will not be in Laramie by Aug. 23 to complete testing can contact the Vice President for Student Affairs Office at (307) 766-5123.

Students who must miss classes and employees who must miss work because of positive test results will receive authorized absences and other accommodations, under UW’s quarantine and isolation protocols.

The Board of Trustees directed that all employees and students be tested upon return to the university as part of a plan to proceed with a traditional, in-person fall semester while taking steps to manage COVID-19 amid an increase in cases locally and nationally.

Other parts of the fall semester plan approved by the trustees are strong encouragement and incentives for COVID vaccinations; and a requirement for masks in most indoor public spaces where distancing can’t be maintained through at least Sept. 20.

Vaccines are available at the Crane-Hill testing site through Friday from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

While vaccinations are not required for UW students and employees, students and employees must report their vaccinations once they’ve received them. This allows the university to track overall vaccination numbers. The information is not being used for any other purpose, except to enter those who’ve reported their vaccinations into drawings for prizes. The university’s privacy protocols are being followed.

Students who receive their COVID-19 vaccinations should upload documentation to the Student Health Service patient portal. This is as simple as taking a photo of your vaccination document and uploading the picture here: http://patientportal.uwyo.edu, using your regular UW user ID and password. Alternatively, students can report their vaccinations by emailing photos of their vaccination documents to Student Health at studenthealth@uwyo.edu.