Additional COVID-19 Testing

As we near the completion of on-campus instruction on Wednesday, Nov. 25, Baylor University is offering voluntary COVID-19 rapid testing (Nov. 23-25) at no cost for all students, faculty and staff before departing campus for the Thanksgiving holidays and the rest of the Fall semester. We encourage you to take advantage of this testing opportunity, especially if you plan to travel or gather with family or friends.

As you think about your Thanksgiving plans related to COVID-19, please be aware that COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations are spreading rapidly across the country and Texas and within Waco and McLennan County. Our campus has recently experienced a steady increase of cases since the end of October, including more than 100 active cases over the past several days for the first time since mid-September.

While students should continue with their normal class routines, we urge everyone to be tested, limit your social interactions from now through Thanksgiving and be even more vigilant in your efforts to minimize viral spread through masking, distancing, avoiding crowds and handwashing.

Rapid Testing Available Before Thanksgiving for All Students, Faculty and Staff

Baylor Health Services is offering voluntary COVID-19 rapid testing at no cost for all Students, Faculty and Staff from Sunday, Nov. 22, through Wednesday, Nov. 25. Results are expected to be available within an hour after testing. Please note: The cost of the test will be billed to your insurance provider, with the University covering the remainder.

Students can schedule an appointment online at www.baylor.edu/healthservicesand log in to the Health Portal using your BaylorID. Click the "Appointment" link on the menu. Select "COVID-19 Screening" as the appointment type. This rapid testing is held at the North Village Respiratory Clinic. NOTE: Faculty and Staff must call 254-710-1010 to be authorized to schedule a web-based appointment before they can schedule a rapid test.

Before your testing appointment, you will need to complete the following forms by selecting "Forms" on the menu.

• COVID-19 Screening Form
• Health Center Treatment Agreement
• Health Center Privacy Notice

An additional testing opportunity for Faculty, Staff and Students is available in the MyLabsDirect (MLD) Tent 4 on Fountain Mall. Walk-up testing is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Friday, Nov. 20, and again on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 23-24. Please note that this is regular testing, not rapid testing. Results will be available and emailed in 1-2 days.

Remember that a negative test is not a license to end other preventative measures such as mask wearing and physical distancing. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. In addition to testing before travel, health officials urge students and employees to get tested after they complete their travel.