Accessing Services at the University Health Center and COVID-19 testing
August 27, 2021
Dear Campus Community:
We continue to monitor guidance and adjust our COVID-19 protocols as needed to maintain the health and safety of our community. The University Health Center (UHC) is ready to care for you, and we continue to follow CDC, state and local health department, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. The following information will help ensure you know what to expect when visiting the UHC and outline the various testing options on campus.
Separate Testing and Treatment Spaces for COVID and non-COVID Patients
In order to meet OSHA requirements, during the fall semester, the UHC will provide non-COVID-19 related health services inside our building, a testing tent for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19, and separate treatment space for individuals who are positive for COVID-19 and require further evaluation.
Accessing Services at the UHC
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, everyone entering the UHC will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the entrance. In addition, to protect you and your healthcare provider, most visits with a UHC medical provider will require an appointment. Many appointments are available on the same day. Some appointments may be scheduled through the web at myuhc.umd.edu. Appointments that cannot be web-scheduled can be booked by phone by calling 301.314.8184. No appointment is needed for a true medical emergency. Please be sure to have your insurance card at the time of your visit. You must wear a mask or face covering over your nose and mouth at all times while inside the UHC.
Testing at the UHC Testing Tent for Individuals with Symptoms
Beginning Monday, August 30th, the UHC will operate a walk-in testing tent for individuals with potential symptoms of COVID-19. The testing tent will be located adjacent to the UHC in Lot HP and will operate Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, except for Monday, August 30 when the tent will begin operations at 11 AM. Rapid antigen testing will be performed in the testing tent while you wait, with results available in approximately 15 minutes. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to be tested, please come to the UHC during these hours. You do not need an appointment to be tested if you have symptoms. You may also get tested off-campus if preferred, but, in that case, you must report a positive result through the HEAL line.
Arriving for a UHC Appointment
If you have a scheduled appointment with a provider, you will be screened for potential COVID-19 symptoms before entering the building. There will be a sign on the door with screening instructions.
- Those without symptoms or known exposure may proceed into the UHC.
- Anyone with potential COVID-19 symptoms will be referred to the testing tent, as described in the above section.
- For this reason, we ask that you arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow for this screening process. Late arrivals may be asked to reschedule.
- If your test is negative, you may proceed into the UHC for your appointment.
- If your test is positive for COVID-19, UHC medical staff will provide additional instructions and follow-up care in a designated treatment space next to the testing tent.
- Those who need a higher level of care may be referred to a local urgent care facility or emergency room.
The UHC testing tent is only for individuals with symptoms who may be potentially COVID-19 positive.
Who Is Required to Be Tested, Or Eligible for Campus Testing
As a reminder, individuals who are unvaccinated against COVID-19, regardless of exemption, are required to get tested twice weekly. We will also provide on-campus testing for identified close contacts and individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms. Campus community members who are asymptomatic and would like to get tested should seek testing off-campus.
Criteria for Testing at Maryland Stadium for Individuals Without Symptoms
UMD is offering testing at Maryland Stadium on Mondays and Thursdays for individuals who don’t have COVID-19 symptoms AND
- are not fully vaccinated and must test twice weekly or
- are vaccinated and have been identified as a close contact of a positive case (if you belong in this group, you will be notified and must test 3-5 days after exposure).
Please do not come to the Stadium if you have symptoms; walk-in at the UHC testing tent instead.
The health, well-being, and safety of our community are our fundamental priorities. These practices will help stop the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for doing your part to keep our fellow students, faculty, staff, and healthcare providers safe.
Be well and stay safe,
Spyridon S. Marinopoulos, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.P.
Director, University Health Center
Chief Medical Officer
He/Him/His
