University-supplied rapid antigen testing kits will be made available to select students and staff
On Jan. 7, the University of Guelph announced updates to its approach to rapid testing.
U of G, including the Ridgetown Campus, will now use school-provided rapid antigen tests in response to high-risk exposures in settings that U of G has noted as potentially hazardous. Such settings include departments and services that are essential and would be unable to operate without a certain number of staff available to deliver essential services.
The school’s approach to COVID-19 testing has changed in light of provincial-wide shortages of rapid antigen tests, with U of G now supplying its own.
U of G has noted that the school will not provide rapid tests for broad general surveillance.
The university will soon contact those who oversee areas and activities assessed as potentially high-risk to organize the distribution of rapid antigen testing kits and provide more information on instructions and guidelines.
Rapid testing guidelines for students and staff who have approved vaccination exemptions or who are partially vaccinated
In alignment with U of G’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate, individuals with approved vaccination exemptions or those who have not received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are required to undergo rapid antigen testing prior to entering campus buildings, facilities, and residences.
Once an individual is fully vaccinated, regular rapid antigen testing is no longer necessary for approved access to campus amenities.
Students can pick up their rapid antigen testing kits at the Student Wellness Centre in the J.T. Powell Building between Monday and Friday from 9 to 11:45 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. University faculty and staff can pick up theirs at Occupational Health and Wellness in room 179 in Alexander Hall between Monday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Students living in residence halls should complete rapid testing before leaving residence. For questions regarding rapid testing, students and staff can contact the U of G COVID-19 Call Centre at covid.calls@uoguelph.ca.
Rapid antigen test results must be relayed to the U of G Rapid Test Submission webpage. If a positive result is reported, the university advises students and staff not to attend or use U of G facilities. They must isolate themselves from others, book an appointment for a PCR COVID-19 test from a valid testing centre, and fill out a U of G COVID-19 self-declaration form.
More information about vaccination exemptions and rapid antigen testing can be found on the U of G COVID-19 Rapid Testing webpage.
University Centre as distribution point for rapid testing kits
In a mass email sent out to U of G students and staff on Jan. 7, it was announced that the University Centre will serve as a distribution point for its community rapid testing program from Jan. 10 to 12, as per the Ministry of Health’s directions. A provincially-provided supply of rapid antigen testing kits will be available to residents of Guelph and broader community while supplies last. The distribution centre will begin operations at 10 a.m. each day.
For more information on the distribution of rapid antigen testing kits, visit the Government of Ontario’s website.
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