Beginning this week, IANR will begin offering voluntary saliva-based COVID-19 testing to current UNL and county extension employees at extension offices and research centers across the state. This is an extension of the same service offered to faculty, staff and students on UNL’s Lincoln campuses, and we are thrilled to be able to offer testing to our statewide IANR community.
To start, testing will be offered at 19 locations across Nebraska. We expect locations may change based on demand. At this time, 48 sample collectors have been trained on protocols for sample collection and shipping, as well as on use of the Safer Community app. We’re grateful to these employees, as we would not have been able to offer this service without their support.
Some things to keep in mind as we begin this program:
* UNL’s saliva-based testing program was designed as a proactive measure to help protect our community. Saliva-based testing is able to detect COVID-19 early on, before those infected exhibit symptoms. When coupled with mask-wearing, hand washing, social distancing and other preventative measures, testing can help further protect our workplaces and the public we serve from the spread of COVID-19.
* Saliva-based testing is available only to current UNL and county extension professionals.
* If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please visit a Test Nebraska site(https://www.testnebraska.com/en) for testing.
* If you are planning to visit East, City or Innovation campus, be advised that a negative COVID test is required for building entry. More information on the campus testing policy is available online (https://covid19.unl.edu/spring-testing).
* If you wish to schedule a test one of the 19 participating centers, please call a day ahead.
* Research and Extension professionals located in the Panhandle should note that the Panhandle Research, Education and Extension Center in Scottsbluff is not a testing location at the moment. Employees should contact the PREEC Director for testing instructions as appropriate.
We have developed a website (https://myextension.unl.edu/statewide-saliva-testing) that includes a map of testing locations, FAQs, a link to download the Safer Community app and more. Note that you must be logged in to view the site. Extension professionals with additional questions can contact Ashley Mueller at ashley.mueller@unl.edu. Research faculty, staff and students with questions can contact Hector Santiago at hsantiago2@unl.edu.
Thank you for all you have done to keep our IANR community safe and healthy, and to keep our research, teaching and extension missions moving forward.
Archie Clutter and Dave Varner