Two weeks ago, UB announced all students who will have a “regular physical presence on campus” this semester will be required to get tested for COVID-19 no longer than 72 hours before arriving on campus.
This week, the university released further information about the requirement. Here’s how to navigate the new testing mandate:
Getting tested
Students are required to take a PCR or rapid antigen test — either laboratory or at-home — no more than 72 hours prior to their return to campus. COVID-19 tests can be found here.
Once they receive their result, they are required to upload proof to the UBbox submission system, which requires a UBIT name and password.
Students who have trouble uploading their test results are encouraged to email HealthDocumentUpload@buffalo.edu.
Students who can’t find a testing appointment
Students who can’t find a testing appointment are instructed to purchase an at-home test kit from their local pharmacy or online.
In its guidance, UB acknowledges the “recent high demand” for COVID-19 tests and encourages students to plan ahead and make an appointment with a local provider. The university also recommends ordering an at-home test “as soon as possible.”
Students who have completed an at-home test are required to take a photo of their result within six hours of completion and include their name, UB person and date of completion in the photo.
Students who have recently tested positive
Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days and reported their infection to UB’s COVID-19 Reporting Form will be exempt from semester start-up testing.
The reporting form asks students for their contact information, medical information, housing location and last physical contact with campus, among other questions. The COVID-19 Reporting Form can also be used throughout the semester to report an infection and request assistance, including academic assistance and access to food during isolation.
Justin Weiss is the managing editor and can be reached at justin.weiss@ubspectrum.com
Justin Weiss is The Spectrum's managing editor. In his free time, he can be found hiking, playing baseball or throwing things at his TV when his sports teams aren't winning. His words have appeared in Elite Sports New York and the Long Island Herald. He can be found on Twitter @Jwmlb1.
