COVID-19 testing requested after winter break, self-tests provided

To help avoid an increase of COVID-19 cases at work after the winter holiday, we are providing every UC ANR employee with a COVID-19 antigen test kit (2 tests) to take home with them to use after the break.

Test kits are being shipped to every ANR location during the week of December 12-16. Please see your safety coordinator or office manager to receive the tests and take them home with you before the winter holiday. After the Winter Holiday break, on the morning before you return to work onsite, please check yourself for symptoms and use a self-test. Follow the instructions in the test kit, or view this video for test instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fqy-xjkxsU.

Everyone should use the UC ANR COVID-19 Screening Report survey to report the results of your test before coming into work. Please report your results on the survey even if you have no symptoms and/or test negative. If you have any symptoms or test positive, stay home, and let your supervisor know that you will not be coming to work. Viruses like COVID-19 can take 3 to 5 days to incubate, so you can use the second test a few days after the first test to verify a negative result.

Many areas in the state are currently experiencing an increase in viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These illnesses are spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person. This means that when we are close to other people for extended periods of time – at holiday parties, during travel, visiting with family and friends – we might be exposed and could develop symptoms or illness a few days later.

If you have any questions about the testing or COVID-19 precautions, please email ehs@ucanr.edu. 

Have a safe and merry winter break! 

Brian Oatman
Director, Risk & Safety Services

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