ALL students, faculty and staff must complete a COVID-19 test before classes begin. Read this note for common questions about the process.
ALL students, faculty and staff must complete a PCR COVID-19 test before classes begin. Elon has contracted with LabCorp, one of the world’s leading healthcare diagnostic companies (located just a short distance from Elon’s campus) to provide an at-home PCR testing collection kit, which involves a simple, self-administered nasal swab. This kit can be shipped directly to a student’s home anywhere within the U.S. This is the same testing arrangement being used at Notre Dame University, the University of Miami and others. The PCR test detects whether you currently have the virus.
How do I sign up for the test and how does it work?
You can read about the testing details on this webpage. Students, faculty and staff on Elon’s Greensboro campus should also follow instructions from the Law School on specific details.
Why is Elon using this particular test?
Not all states or counties have capacity for asymptomatic testing (testing of those without symptoms) right now. LabCorp has the capacity to handle Elon’s volume of tests and produce reliable and consistent results. The company has an online portal and logistics system that will allow you to have a COVID-19 test collection kit shipped to your home or wherever you are located in the U.S. The test comes with clear instruction on how to collect your sample and then mail it back to LabCorp in the provided shipping package. Though the delivery of results can fluctuate based on demand, results are currently available 4-6 days after arrival at the lab. An additional advantage is that your testing information will be secure throughout this process. Elon will be notified when students, faculty, or staff have ordered and shipped their tests, so the university can ensure that roughly 9,000 individuals have completed their tests prior to classes beginning. You will not have to find a testing site, schedule an appointment, go to a testing site or wait in line.
Will Elon accept other test results?
Elon is asking all students, faculty and staff to use the LabCorp system because of its convenience, consistent results and its ability to comply with HIPAA privacy standards and share secure healthcare information with Elon’s Health Services. Elon does not have the medical staffing to verify test administration and results from multiple providers across the country over the short testing window prior to the opening of the academic year. A single, unified system will allow Elon to get fast results that can facilitate our student move-in process.
We realize there may be special cases where students are unable to use the LabCorp system. For example, international students will not be able to receive test collection kits from LabCorp. Some students have asked if they may take other PCR-tests. The answer is yes. We will release details this week on a process for students who are unable or unwilling to use the LabCorp test and wish to pay for asymptomatic testing out of pocket to submit an approved PCR test result from another testing source that was collected within Elon’s prescribed testing window.
Note: If you have already received a positive test result from a prior COVID-19 test, you do not need another test. Students should submit documentation of their positive result to University Physician Dr. Ginette Archinal at Student Health Services, garchinal@elon.edu. Faculty and staff should submit documentation to Associate Director of Human Resources Stephanie Page, spage@elon.edu.
What about the cost?
By using LabCorp’s mail-in testing service, students and families will not have to pay up front for the pre-semester test.
While symptomatic testing (for those who are experiencing symptoms) is free or covered by insurance in most states, asymptomatic tests often costs upwards of $100. The cost of the LabCorp test includes the cost of express shipping and expediting results directly to Elon University.
Elon will help students to gather information to submit paperwork to their insurance for reimbursement and will also have a process for students to request a fee waiver based on their family finances or personal circumstances.
Elon will continue to conduct random testing throughout the semester to watch for spread of the virus on campus. Those tests will be administered free of charge to students, faculty and staff.
Elon University is part of a group of independent universities asking Congress to support the extra re-opening costs to families and universities, including the cost of testing. We remain optimistic about this funding being allocated in August or September.
What happens if I test positive?
If you test positive for the COVID-19 infection, you should expect:
- A call from either a medical provider or a member of the LabCorp medical team.
- A call from your local health department with quarantine and tracing guidance.
- To quarantine at home for up to 14 days from infection.
- To contact Elon for assistance:
- Students: Starting July 23, you will be able to complete a brief form and a staff member from Student Care and Outreach will reach out to you within 1 business day. This staff member will help guide you through the process, help you get to campus as soon and as smoothly as possible, and assist you with making connections and planning for your arrival after isolation.
- Faculty/Staff: Please call Human Resources (336-278-5560) and your supervisor or department chair and/or your dean or vice president to discuss how to ensure your care and privacy, as well as ensure arrangements for your work.