Dear faculty and staff colleagues,

I am writing to remind you about the university’s guidance and testing options for employees who experience COVID-19 symptoms, who come into close contact with a positive individual, or who test positive for COVID-19.

What do I do if I’m not feeling well, or if I’ve been exposed to COVID-19?

This flowchart provides helpful guidance on what to do about testing, quarantine or isolation, returning to work if you have symptoms, are a close contact, or test positive.

Please note that either an antigen (rapid) or PCR (saliva) test can confirm a positive result for COVID-19, but only a PCR test can provide a conclusive negative result. While the flowchart includes information about the type of test to use at each stage, this information is not intended to be medical advice, and you should contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the test options that are best for your circumstances.

How can I get tested this summer?

Test kits available on campus
We currently have a supply of PCR mail-in and at-home antigen test kits available for use at no cost to employees who experience symptoms or are close contacts.

To obtain a test kit, visit Security Services (McIntyre 011, open 24 hours, 7 days per week), Facilities Services (located behind the Tennis Pavilion, open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), or outside Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services (CHWS – Wheelock Student Center 2nd floor).

Sites and resources for free testing in the community or at-home test kits
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department website lists locations for free testing, and includes information on the type of test available. There are also links to sources for free at-home test kits, including information about local libraries where test kits are available and how to obtain tests provided by the government to all U.S. households. We encourage you to pick-up or order these free kits so you have one on hand in the event you need it. One source that is currently available and particularly convenient is kits offered by the State Department of Health at Say Yes! To Covid Test (sayyescovidhometest.org) (or 1-800-525-0127, then press #). Each household may order testing kits twice a month and each kit includes 4-5 individual tests. The Washington State Department of Health website provides information about statewide options for testing if you need to obtain testing outside of the Tacoma area. These testing options are available regardless of insurance coverage. Even if you are covered under the university’s health plan, you do not need to present insurance information when accessing these free testing sites and test kits.

No-cost at-home antigen test options for university health plan participants
If you participate in the university’s health plan, you have additional ways to obtain rapid tests at no out-of-pocket cost. Please note: these tests are only available for medically necessary purposes, i.e. for symptomatic individuals, those who are asymptomatic but have been exposed to COVID-19, or those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are completing follow-up tests. When obtaining the tests, you may be asked to verify the request is related to medical necessity and not for purposes of attending work, school, events, or for travel.

  • At an in-network pharmacy. Find an in-network pharmacy near you by signing in to your account on premera.com and searching “Find a Doctor.” You must present your Premera ID card at the pharmacy counter to obtain tests at no cost.
  • Online through ExpressScripts. Set up an account and get a kit shipped to your home.

If you purchase tests through sources other than these, you may also be eligible for reimbursement of up to $12 per test through the health plan. The reimbursement form, instructions for submitting claims, and information about tests that are eligible for reimbursement are available online. Select “claims” at the top of the list of options, and use the “Employer-Based and Group-Based” claim form type.

The availability of these tests at no cost is tied to the Public Health Emergency status, which is reviewed every 90 days and was renewed in April 2022. More details on the Public Health Emergency status is available here: https://www.phe.gov/emergency/news/healthactions/phe/Pages/default.aspx
 
What if I have other questions?

Current information about the university’s response to COVID-19 is available online here.  For questions about the testing, quarantining or isolation, and return to work protocol for employees, please contact contacttracing@pugetsound.edu. For questions about test resources available through the university’s health plan, please contact benefits@pugetsound.edu.

We hope you and your loved ones can continue in good health as we navigate the dynamic environment of COVID-19 this summer.

Best wishes,

Nancy
Nancy Nieraeth, SHRM-SCP, SPHR | Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Chief People Officer