Winter quarter COVID testing for undergraduates

Dear undergraduates and families,

We are writing today with a step-by-step guide for our winter quarter COVID-19 testing program. Please read this entire email, and take note of the action items in your personal calendar. All testing is provided at no cost to students. Student-athletes should check in with the athletics department for testing guidance.

Here is a short summary of the tests we will use.

1. We encourage all students coming to Stanford for the winter quarter to get tested for SARS-CoV-2 prior to departure to help make a wise decision about whether or not to travel. We are offering optional pre-arrival testing at no cost through Binx Health to students who are age 18 or over and who have a physical mailing address within the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska) but who do not otherwise have access to testing. Unfortunately, we cannot offer this service to students with P.O. Box addresses or to students who are outside the United States. This test involves a self-collected anterior nasal swab. You will receive the results within 24-48 hours of the lab receiving a properly collected sample.
2. A required test at your dorm check-in location on the day you arrive. This test, with Stanford Health Care, will also be available and required for students who arrive after hours. The test involves a mid-turbinate nasal swab that is performed by the student, while being observed by a healthcare professional. You will receive the results in 8-16 hours.
3. A required test within 24 hours of your arrival with Verily Health Services. The testing site is Tresidder Memorial Union. Verily is our vendor for twice weekly testing during winter quarter. The test involves a mid-turbinate nasal swab that is performed by the student, while being observed by a healthcare professional. You will receive the results within 24 hours.

You will also be required to complete Stanford Health Check daily. Health Check tracks the prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms among students on campus. Personal information remains confidential. If you are experiencing symptoms, immediately contact Vaden Health Services at (650) 498-2336 or your healthcare provider.

Here are step-by-step instructions for students who are new or returning to campus for winter quarter. Add these dates to your calendar and download and print this PDF as a reminder. Winter quarter testing requirements take effect Jan. 2. Students who lived on campus during winter break and never left should continue with Verily testing.

1. Today, order a pre-arrival test. Go to this Binx website (https://app.mybinxhealth.com/covid), click “check availability,” complete the questionnaire, and then complete the checkout process with this coupon code: (each student received a custom code in this spot). When prompted for your shipping address, enter the location in the United States where you are receiving packages during winter break. You will receive your collection kit within 2-3 business days of placing the order.
2. Eight days before you arrive on campus, take the Binx pre-arrival test and return your sample via the provided pre-paid UPS envelope.
3. Seven days before you arrive on campus from the United States or abroad, register for your first twice weekly test. Go to the Verily website (https://healthy.verily.com/), create an account, and when prompted for your home address, enter “Stanford University, Stanford, Calif., 94305.” This is because you will take the Verily tests when you are on campus. Make an appointment for one hour after your dorm check-in time. If you are checking in after 1 p.m., make an appointment for the next day.
4. The morning of the day you arrive on campus, complete the Stanford Health Check (https://healthcheck.stanford.edu/login). Set an alarm on your phone so that you remember to do this every day while you are living on campus.
5. When you arrive on campus, take a Stanford Health Care test at your dorm check-in location.
6. AND, if you arrive before 1 p.m., leave your luggage at your dorm and then go to Tresidder Memorial Union to take your first test with Verily at your appointment time. Bring your student or government issued ID.OR, if you arrive after 1 p.m., spend the night in your dorm room and then go to Tresidder Memorial Union the next day and take your first test with Verily at your appointment time. Bring your student or government issued ID.
7. 24 hours after your first test with Verily, make an appointment for your next test. Important! Make one appointment at a time. If you make a second one, your first appointment will be canceled. And if you can’t go to your appointment, cancel it with Verily. This way, we can offer the spot to other students.

Testing positive

If you test positive before arriving on campus through Binx or any other healthcare provider, file a help ticket with Housing Assignments to arrange a new arrival date and send a copy of your positive COVID test (attached to a secure message) to Dr. Robyn Tepper through the Vadenpatient portal.

If you test positive after arriving on campus, Vaden Medical Services will call you. You will be provided on-campus isolation housing, meal delivery and medical care. The isolation housing will be closely monitored and overseen by medical and professional Student Affairs staff members.

Questions?

Thank you for reading this email carefully. We know this is a lot to take in. We have posted more information. If you have questions about COVID-19 testing during the university’s winter closure, here’s how to contact us via Service Now. When you arrive, we and our colleagues will be here to greet you and help you. We will get through this together!

Sincerely,

Mona Hicks
Senior Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students

Dr. Jim Jacobs
Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director, Vaden Health Services