Colleagues,
Based on updated guidance from The Texas A&M University System and the state of Texas, we are extending Phase 2 of employee return to campus. In other words, the percentage of employees on campus is to remain below 75% until further notice.
In addition, we now have more details on how employees can get tested for COVID-19.
Update on agency testing
The A&M System is providing free on-campus testing options for faculty, students and staff. These simple mouth swab tests will not be available to the general public.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to get tested if they experience COVID-19 symptoms or suspect they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Close contact is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being within six feet of someone with COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes beginning 48 hours before the individual had symptoms, regardless of wearing a face mask.
Each system campus now has an online test registration, and anyone wishing to be tested must first sign up there. Trained personnel will monitor the self-administered oral swabbing required.
How to utilize System-funded testing
Testing is by appointment only. For students, faculty or staff with a UIN, registration for a testing time window can be found at https://tx.ag/COVIDtest.
For agency personnel, the testing options are as follows:
- For agency personnel located in Brazos County
- Please utilize public health testing options first. If those are experiencing delays or are unavailable, two location options are available for those on campus in College Station. Select “Agency” where prompted and the location.
- An outside location behind the Health Science Center on SH 47 is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, subject to weather conditions. Select “Texas A&M Health – Maroon Line Testing-HSC Bryan Campus (CB1) for this option, and to see available appointment times.
- A tent at A.P. Beutel Health Center is additionally offering a self-collected nasal swab and blood antibody COVID-19 testing for faculty and staff. They will file insurance for these tests.
- For agency personnel located near one of the other 10 A&M System university campuses
- Please utilize public health testing options first. If those are overwhelmed or unavailable, you can arrange for agency personnel to get tested at a nearby A&M System campus. To do this, please contact Benika Dixon at Benikad@tamu.edu, and she will assist in contacting that System campus location to arrange testing.
- If you have any problems getting tested, please also contact Elizabeth Parker at Elizabeth.Parker@ag.tamu.edu with AgriLife Research, Angela Burkham at angela.burkham@ag.tamu.edu with AgriLife Extension, or Debi Fincher at Debra.Fincher@ag.tamu.edu with the Office of Ethics and Compliance.
- For agency personnel not located near an A&M System campus
- Please utilize public health testing options first. If those are overwhelmed or unavailable, please contact Benika Dixon at Benikad@tamu.edu, and the A&M System will overnight a test kit directly to the employee. An observer will remotely monitor the test and arrange for shipment of the completed test to a laboratory for analysis.
- If you have any problems getting tested, please also contact Elizabeth Parker at Elizabeth.Parker@ag.tamu.edu with AgriLife Research, Angela Burkham at angela.burkham@ag.tamu.edu with AgriLife Extension, or Debi Fincher at Debra.Fincher@ag.tamu.edu with the Office of Ethics and Compliance.
Other guidance remains in effect
For social distancing, cleaning, reporting of COVID-19 cases, travel and more, please continue to refer to the AgriLife COVID-19 employee information page or follow specific guidance provided by your agency.
For reporting COVID-19 symptoms, exposure or a positive test, review the university guidance and use the System Reporting Portal. You can also email COVID19Process@tamu.edu with your questions. In addition, please inform Debi Fincher when a unit’s personnel test positive, have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or take actions at their unit related to COVID-19.
Finally, the university announced this week a COVID-19 dashboard to share with the Aggieland community. The dashboard is updated weekly and can be found here.
Stay well,
Patrick J. Stover, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, Texas A&M AgriLife
Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research