Over the weekend, the University of North Carolina-Wilmington identified its third COVID cluster on campus. On Monday night, that number grew to four. As a graduate student, I was able to get a firsthand look at the university's testing process.
With cases on the rise, I called the Student Health Center on Sunday to see what was involved in getting tested.
How can I help you? [Freund: Hey, I'm a student at UNCW. Can I come in and get tested?]
After answering a couple identifying questions, I was told a Physician’s Assistant would give me a call in 30 minutes.
I'm one of the PA's here. So, have you been exposed or do you have symptoms?
I said that I didn't have any typical symptoms, but I would still like to get tested if that was possible.
Okay. Well, I mean, if you want to be tested, I can certainly test you.
That was Sunday. I chose an appointment for the following day, and at 8:45 Monday morning, I was getting my oxygen levels and temperature taken in a tent outside the Student Health Center.
So this is for you. This is going to be a $55 charge. It's going to be added to your student account. [Freund: Okay.] If you want to be reimbursed for that, you can just submit the paperwork to your insurance company.
The test is covered for those students enrolled under the University’s Student Health Insurance Program.
The test itself was simple and straightforward. I pulled my mask below my nose and looked up to the center of the tent.
So doing both nostrils, same time. [Freund: Okay.] One, two, and three. One, two, three. Okay, perfect. That's all.
And that was it. It took about ten minutes of talking on the phone and two minutes in a tent. And in one to three days, someone will call me with the results. So, if you're a student and you're concerned, get tested.
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As of Monday evening, the university data dashboard identified 84 student COVID cases.
If you are a UNCW student in Wilmington experiencing these symptoms, after exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, contact the UNCW Student Health Center at 910-962-3280 to arrange care. Students outside of the area should contact a local health care provider first then notify the Student Health Center at coronavirus@uncw.edu or 910-962-0587. Students should also familiarize themselves with UNCW's "Best for the Nest" website (coronavirus-specific FAQ & resources).
