With COVID-19 cases continuing to surge, identifying and isolating individuals positive for COVID-19 remains one of the most important tools in mitigating on-going transmission in our campus community.

The University of Arkansas is strongly encouraging anyone that may be experiencing COVID-like symptoms or may have come in close contact with anyone that has tested positive, to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible and to isolate or quarantine accordingly.

WHEN TO GET TESTED

While COVID-19 testing is available for everyone, it is critical that you be tested if:

• You are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms.
• Have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• Plan on traveling or being around high-risk individuals.

If you think you need to be tested, it is recommended that you receive the test 3-5 days after your last exposure for accurate results.

If you are unsure whether you need to be tested, please contact the Pat Walker Health Center to speak with a medical provider.

REMINDERS – A negative COVID-19 test is NOT required for a student to return to class after a quarantine or isolation period. Also, if you test positive with an at-home test, there is no need to test again at an official testing site.

ON-CAMPUS TESTING

COVID-19 testing will be available at two locations on campus during the first month of the spring semester:

1.Pat Walker Health Center (Appointment Only)

• Call 479-575-4451, option 1 to speak with a scheduler or medical provider
• Schedule online at myhealth.uark.edu using the Patient Web Portal.
• Results typically returned within 48 hours for PCR and under 30 minutes for rapid antigen test. 
• If you test positive for COVID-19, PWHC medical staff will advise you of next steps and report your case to the University for you.

2.Arkansas Union Mall (Walk-Up Asymptomatic Testing)

• This mass testing clinic will be held outside on the Union Mall and open to all members of the campus community, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Feb.18. 
• No appointment is needed, however individuals experiencing symptoms should make an appointment at Pat Walker Health Center or an off-campus medical provider for evaluation, testing and treatment.
• If you have health insurance, please bring your health insurance card for payment purposes. Uninsured patients are welcome and costs will be covered per contractor policies and procedures.

Note: Arkansas Union Testing Site is not affiliated with Pat Walker Health Center and is operated by a third-party contracted by the University of Arkansas. For questions related to tests administered at this clinic, please call 479-845-7000.

OFF-CAMPUS TESTING

Testing is also available throughout the Northwest Arkansas Community at local pharmacies, doctor offices and various drive-through testing sites. 

Starting on Tuesday, Feb. 1, the Northwest Arkansas Council will be partnering with the CDC to offer a mass COVID-19 drive-thru testing site at the Washington County Fairgrounds. 

The site will open at 11 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. Starting on Feb. 2, the site will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will run until Feb. 21. Tests are free and results are typically expected within 48 to 72 hours. Registration is encouraged.

For a complete breakdown of available off-campus testing sites and locations, visit the Northwest Arkansas Council COVID-19 Testing Resource Page.

REPORTING A POSITIVE CASE

If you were tested off-campus or used a self-test at home and received a positive test for COVID-19, you must self-report your case to U of A Emergency Management using the online self-reporting form.

If you were tested on-campus, you do not need to self-report as your case information is provided directly to Emergency Management by the university.

ORDER A FREE AT-HOME TEST

Additionally, the U.S. Federal Government has launched a new website for individual households to request and order up to four rapid COVID-19 tests, free-of-charge. They can be shipped directly and take between 7-12 days to arrive. 

The university's COVID-19 Response site continues to be updated during the pandemic with the latest news and information for the campus community. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.