Mandatory Testing Begins at UW, Continues Through Sunday

More than 2,500 University of Wyoming employees and students submitted saliva samples for required COVID-19 testing today (Wednesday), with at least four more days of testing planned for those who schedule online.

While the university appreciates that so many people complied with the testing requirement today, some arrived to be tested this morning 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 today 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.

Those scheduled for testing Thursday are reminded that it will be move-in day for UW’s residence halls, so there will be no parking near Crane-Hill, with pedestrian access only. Additionally, employees and students are advised to avoid parking in the retail complex across Grand Avenue from Crane-Hill, as vehicles parked there by non-customers are at risk of being towed.

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 Wednesday, Aug. 18, 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. Additionally, a Move-In Day Vaccine Clinic takes place Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Washakie Green, the lawn between White and Downey halls before Washakie Dining Center. And a Cowboy Connect Vaccine Clinic is Saturday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Prexy’s Pasture, in conjunction with the Party in Prexy’s that is part of Cowboy Connect.

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.

For employees, a quick reference guide has been created to help report vaccinations within UW’s HCM.

COVID-19 vaccines also are available at Walmart, Walgreens, Pole Mountain Pharmacy, Ridley’s, Stitches Acute Care, Laramie Pediatrics, Albany Community Health Clinic, Ivinson Medical Group, the Downtown Clinic and Family Physicians of Laramie.