1. University of Dubuque
2. COVID-19
3. COVID-19 Testing Guidelines

COVID-19 Testing Guidelines

University of Dubuque COVID-19 Testing: Summarized Policy Guidelines

August 4, 2020

Many of you are understandably asking questions about University of Dubuque’s COVID-19 testing protocols.  Since early March 2020, we have been following the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.  Both the IDPH and CDC are recommending limited testing under specific conditions.  Additionally, other governing bodies such as the NCAA have issued guidelines that conflict with the IDPH and CDC.  Much of the University’s guidance is provided in the document Shaping Our Return, which was widely disseminated in early July and is available at www.dbq.edu. 

Given all this conflicting guidance, University of Dubuque has developed additional protocols that are intended to safeguard our campus responsibly:

1. UD MANTRA
   Practice common sense—good hygiene, social distancing, and wear a face covering for yourself and for others.
   
   
2. DILIGENTLY PRACTICE SCREENING PROCEDURES
   Take your temperature before you leave your residence hall room, apartment, or home. If your temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, isolate in your room, apartment, or home, and reach out to the appropriate individual on the contact list at www.dbq.edu/COVID-19.
   
   
3. DILIGENTLY PRACTICE No. 1 and No. 2!
   
   
4. STUDENT-ATHLETES
   Student-athletes will be tested upon their arrival to campus. These tests are recommended but are not required. Random/surveillance testing will take place throughout the academic year.  Two days prior to arrival, student-athletes are required to turn in the COVID-19 Health Assessment via DocuSign. Additionally, student-athletes will undergo daily temperature checks upon arrival to athletic facilities.
   
   
5. DILIGENTLY PRACTICE No. 1 and No. 2!
   
   
6. FACULTY AND STAFF
   Faculty and staff will be offered the opportunity to be tested throughout the academic year. These tests are recommended but not required.
   
   
7. DILIGENTLY PRACTICE No. 1 AND No. 2!
   
   
8. ALL REMAINING STUDENTS
   All remaining students will have testing available throughout the year. These tests are recommended but not required. Two days before arrival, students are required to turn in the COVID-19 Health Assessment via DocuSign.
   
   
9. DILIGENTLY PRACTICE No. 1 AND No. 2!
   
   
10. RANDOM SAMPLE TESTING
    The University, in consultation with health experts that are providing us guidance, will determine whether to adopt additional random/surveillance testing protocols. The Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center will soon have the capacity to process up to 40 tests per day for those meeting University testing guidelines. If we determine that we need to do more than 40 tests per day, the University can do that through our relationship with The Ohio State University. The turnaround time is typically 48 hours or less.
    
    
11. DILIGENTLY PRACTICE No. 1 AND No. 2!
    
    
12. LEARNING AND WORKING
    The University will be delivering coursework face-to-face and through synchronous learning. In other words, the vast majority of coursework is available in person or from your residence. If you have an oral temperature above 100.4 degrees, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are in mandated quarantine, you can continue to learn, teach, and, where approved by your supervisor, work from your residence.