February 4, 2022

Dear AU Faculty and Staff,

On Monday, February 7, we will begin expanded surveillance testing for the AU community, as noted in the February 1 message on Important Updates to Covid-19 Protocols. Expanded surveillance testing builds on our existing testing approach to continue to support the health and safety of our community.

During the month of February, all faculty and staff are requested to complete a surveillance test twice a month, either through the AU testing site or with an at-home antigen test. Free antigen test kits for faculty and staff who wish to use them will be distributed at AU during the first week of surveillance testing. We will evaluate the need for continued surveillance testing following this month and communicate any changes to the community.

Surveillance testing involves taking routine samples of the population to monitor the state of spread through a community; it is an added layer of health and safety and does not replace existing AU Covid protocols, which remain in effect. Symptomatic individuals, close contacts, and unvaccinated individuals with exemptions must test as usual.

When to Test

Twice monthly. During February, please test during the weeks of February 7 and February 21.

How to Test

You may take an at-home antigen test, using tests provided by AU or through community resources.

You may also take a PCR test at AU testing centers if preferred. Note: AU testing centers only provide PCR tests, not antigen tests.

Where to Pick Up AU-Provided Antigen Test Kits

AU will provide one package of antigen tests, with two tests per package, per month. Tests will be available during the first week of surveillance testing (Feb. 7-11) to faculty and staff with AU IDs at:

• The Tunnel: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. In the former Capital One bank location (next to Starbucks).
• WCL: WCL Testing Center (CT02), during testing hours.
• 4401 Connecticut: WAMU reception area, 1st floor.9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri 9

Please do not pick up an antigen test kit if you plan to take a PCR test on campus at least twice per month.

Self-Reporting Results

You must report the results of any positive test (antigen or PCR) on the portal’s Self-Reporting link. You do not need to report negative results.

Special Circumstances

Unvaccinated individuals: You must continue to take a PCR test twice a week as a condition of your exemption. This mandatory testing counts as surveillance testing. You will not be expected to take additional surveillance tests.

If You Tested Positive for Covid-19 In the Past 90 Days: You are exempt from surveillance testing during the 90 days after your positive Covid-19 test.

More about AU’s Surveillance Testing

Surveillance testing is a public health tool that involves taking samples of a population to monitor disease spread. AU will be testing segments of our community each week, with individuals testing on a rolling basis. All students, faculty, and staff are expected to participate.

For students, a segment of the population is notified by email and text when their testing window occurs. Students test on campus.

Faculty and staff should follow the procedures outlined in this email.

Where to Find Antigen Tests in Your Community

All households in the US can order free at-home antigen tests through the federal government at CovidTests.gov. Other community resources include free antigen tests for residents of Washington, DC; free antigen tests for residents of Montgomery County, Maryland; and free antigen tests as available at libraries in Virginia. Please know that antigen tests through these resources may be in low supply.

For additional information on our COVID guidelines, please refer to the Spring 2022 Covid-19 Guide, the Coronavirus Resource Page (Summary Information), and the AU Forward Plan.

Thank you for all you do to help keep our community safe and healthy and provide the best possible learning experience in these challenging times.

Sincerely,
Fanta Aw
Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment, Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence

Seth Grossman
Vice President of People and External Affairs and Counselor to the President

Peter Starr
Provost and Chief Academic Officer