NCSSM Cohort C and CD Students and Families,
Good afternoon. We hope that everyone is having a good start to the week. We have included information about pre-arrival COVID19 testing in this email. The information includes the testing dates, type of test required, testing locations, accessing your test results, as well as an FAQ section. .
As a reminder, our test date begins on Monday April 5th and we are encouraging students to get tested on that date. I would like to highlight that NCSSM recommends that after a student takes their pre-arrival covid19 test, that they should self-isolate until their move-in date (Sunday April 11th). Self-isolation involves remaining primarily at home with only close family members who are part of your household, and not hosting visitors. NCSSM’s preference is that students would remain fully at home during this period; however, any necessary trips elsewhere must include wearing a mask, limited interpersonal interactions, and frequent hand washing/sanitizing. We recognize that this is an inconvenience during a period when students are usually scheduling time with friends and family members prior to their departure; however, we believe that it is a necessary measure to ensure that campus operations begin safely.
The entire cohort D testing plan is attached to this email. We ask that you review the plan and/or this email for information about testing. if you have any questions, please contact Ayesha Yousafzai via email at ayesha.yousafzai@ncssm.edu or via phone at 919-416-2644.
Pre-Arrival to Campus COVID-19 Testing
All Cohort D and CD students must show a negative COVID-19 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test result before they are allowed to return to campus. Please plan to get a COVID-19 PCR test on Monday April 5, 2021 or Tuesday April 6, 2021. COVID-19 PCR tests administered prior to April 5, 2021 will not be acceptable. Students have the ability to get a PCR test done at any location (Accu Reference locations provided below, a local health care provider, local pharmacy that tests, and/or family doctor etc.). If you get a rapid test, please make sure that it is a PCR test. Non-PCR tests will not be acceptable and will delay your arrival to campus.
Testing Dates for Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Testing
All NCSSM students returning to campus must get a COVID-19 PCR test on Monday April 5, 2021 and Tuesday April 6, 2021. Please know that tests administered prior to Monday April 5, 2021 will not be acceptable.
Cohort D Testing Options
You have several options for where you can get your required COVID-19 test.
You can get tested with Accu Reference, a lab company we are partnering with, to get a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and/or the serology test. Test results will be shared with NCSSM Clinic staff including our medical director, Dr. Sherry Starnes, via a secure web portal, managed by the lab.
You can also get tested with a local healthcare provider. If you choose this option please make sure you/they send your results to clinic@ncssm.edu. Once NCSSM receives your results, we will send you a notification if you are cleared to move in.
You can get tested at any pharmacy that is offering Covid-19 (pcr) testing. If you choose this option please make sure you/ they send your results to clinic@ncssm.edu. Once NCSSM receives your results, we will send you a notification if you are cleared to move in.
You can get tested at other NC Locations. General NC Testing Locations:https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-my-testing-place, If you choose this option please make sure they send your results to clinic@ncssm.edu. Once NCSSM receives your results, we will send you a notification if you are cleared to move in.
Testing with Accu Reference
Similar to last year, we will be working with Accu Reference, a lab company that has locations across the state, to provide COVID-19 testing opportunities for NCSSM students. You are not required to get tested with Accu Reference but doing so is encouraged.
You will have the ability to get tested for both the COVID-19 PCR test and the Serology tests. Currently, Accu Reference gets PCR test results back within 48 hours and serology test results back within 36 hours. Test results will be shared with NCSSM Clinic staff including our medical director, Dr. Sherry Starnes, via a secure web portal, managed by the lab. If you get tested for both the PCR test and the serology test, we will consider the results from both the tests prior to approving your return to campus.
Required: Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are required- All students coming to campus must present a negative Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test.
Optional: Serology Test, IgM (recent exposure), IgG (long term exposure) are optional- A serology test will be available if you would like to find out your exposure to COVID-19 status.
If a student tests positive for “IgM” (indicator of recent exposure)serology test, you may be required to take another Covid-19 PCR test to confirm your negative status prior to returning to campus.
Please note that the presence of antibodies does not impact our expectations regarding our community standards such as face coverings, physical distancing, hand washing, and so forth.
Cost Through Accu Reference
In speaking with Accu Reference, a student/family’s insurance should cover the cost of the tests. For any families who are uninsured, a medical code will be submitted by Accu Reference. In the event that any family receives a bill, NCSSM will work with the lab company to resolve the matter.
Accu Reference Testing Locations for NCSSM Students
Accu Reference has agreed to provide testing locations for NCSSM Students at the following locations; Durham, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Lumberton, Mooresville, Raleigh, and Rocky Mount. Once again they will provide a home visit option for students who are unable to go to one of these locations. For more information about the specific locations, please review the section below.
Sonesta ES Suites Meeting Room -
Halo Hands to Facilitate
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
No Appointment Required
Testing Dates
Monday April 5, 2021
Tuesday April 6, 2021
NCSSM Campus,
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Drive Through Testing at the ETC
No Appointment Required
Testing Dates
Monday April 5, 2021
Tuesday April 6, 2021
Accureference Patient
Service Center
(910) 867-7071
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Appointment Required
Testing Dates
Monday April 5, 2021
Tuesday April 6, 2021
Envisions of life
5 Centerview Dr ste110, Greensboro, NC 27407
Greensboro, NC
10:00 am - 4 :00 pm
No Appointment Required
Testing Dates
Monday April 5, 2021
Tuesday April 6, 2021
Integrity Wellness
(910)674-3030
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
No Appointment Necessary
Testing Dates
Monday April 5, 2021
Tuesday April 6, 2021
Inner Logic
(919) 322-9246
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
No Appointment Required
(Accu Phlebotomist Phone number at the practice)
Testing Dates
Monday April 5, 2021
Tuesday April 6, 2021
Halo Hands Foundation
(252)210-3093
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
No Appointment Required
Julie Johnson FNP (M-F)
Testing Dates
Monday April 5, 2021
Tuesday April 6, 2021
*Be proactive and make appointments (where necessary) as early as possible in order to make sure that the testing locations are sufficiently stocked with supplies.
Accu Reference Testing at Home
We understand that some of these locations may be inconvenient to where you live.
If you live farther than two hours or do not have a way to get to any of these locations, you can set up a home draw appointment with Accu Reference.
Contact Missy Norris, 910-298-1124, betty.norris@accureference.com to set up a home draw appointment.
Missy Noriris will arrange for Accu Reference rep to come to your home to administer the test. Please be proactive and do not wait till the last minute to set up your home draw appointment.
If you have any questions regarding appointments or scheduling please contact Dustin.Allen@accureference.com.
What to Expect at the Accu Reference Testing Location
When you arrive at any of the testing locations, please identify yourself as an NCSSM student. Make sure to take your insurance information, state ID/ driver's license (if you have one)/ NCSSM ID (if you have one) with you as it will help expedite the process. If you are uninsured please know that you may be asked to present your social security number.
Getting Your Test Results with Accu Reference
Once you get tested at an Accu Reference location, your results will be collected and submitted via a secure portal managed by them, to the NCSSM clinic. You will also be able to access your test results online 48 hrs after getting tested. If you would like to access your online test results follow these directions:
* Go to accureference.com
* Click Patient Portal in top right corner
* Select View Results
* Select I do not have an access code
* Enter First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, and email address or phone number
* Access code will be sent to either your email address or phone number
* Log in with your Access Code, First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth to view results
Getting Your Test Results from non-Accu Reference
If you get tested at any other location, you will work directly with them to get your results. Once you have your results, you or the testing place needs to send your results to the NCSSM clinic (clinic@ncssm.edu). The NCSSM clinic must receive the results before you are cleared to move in.
If your results are positive
If the results are positive for both PCR and or the serology test, the NCSSM clinic will contact you as soon as possible and work on a plan for your safe return to campus. You may be asked to take another Covid-19 (PCR) test.
If your test results are positive for “IgM” (indicator of recent exposure) serology test, you may be required to take another Covid-19 PCR test to confirm your negative status prior to returning to campus.
If results are negative, NCSSM will email you as soon as possible.
In cases where a negative test result is not yet available, you will wait for the results prior to returning to campus.
Failure to Test or Provide Test Results
All NCSSM students must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test to return to campus. Students who are unable to provide the results of the test will not be permitted to move in or return to campus.
Clearance to Move in Email
All students cleared to move in will receive an email from NCSSM by April 10, 2021. Please do not plan to come to campus if you have not received the clearance email. Contact ayesha.yousafzai@ncssm.edu if you do not receive an email by April 10, 2021.
Expectations After Getting a Covid-19 PCR Test
NCSSM recommends that after a student takes a COVID-19 test the student should self-isolate until their move-in date. Self-isolation involves remaining primarily at home with only close family members who are part of your household, and not hosting visitors. NCSSM’s preference is that students would remain fully at home during this period; however, any necessary trips elsewhere must include wearing a mask, limited interpersonal interactions, and frequent hand washing/sanitizing.
The most effective measure you can take to protect yourself and others around you is to practice the 3 “W’s” — Wear a face covering; Wait to allow 6 feet distance between you and another person; and Wash your hands often and frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based. We recognize that this is an inconvenience during a period when students are usually scheduling time with friends and family members prior to their departure; however, we believe that it is a necessary measure to ensure that campus operations begin safely.
Am I required to take a serology test prior to returning to campus?
No. The serology test is recommended, but not required.
Do I need to bring a copy of my test results with me?
No, you do not need to bring a copy of your negative test results to campus. If you get tested at Accu Reference, your results will be collected and submitted by Accu Reference, via a secure portal managed by them, to the NCSSM clinic.
If you get tested at any other location, have them send your results to the NCSSM clinic (clinic@ncssm.edu).
Can I get tested at any other location besides the ones provided by Accu Reference?
Yes. As long as you are able to take the COVID-19 (PCR) test and provide the negative test results to the NCSSM clinic (clinic@ncssm.edu) prior to your arrival.
Are there additional testing options and locations available?
Yes. There are multiple COVID-19 testing options available in your home communities. Please remember that we require a PCR test prior to your arrival. For North Carolina residents, the NC Department of Health and Human Services test sites can be accessed through their website:
General NC Testing Locations
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-my-testing-plac
If you have questions or require additional information, please visit the NCSSM Response to COVID-19 website.
NCSSM’s weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing program is part of the school’s multi-pronged strategy to mitigate and monitor the spread of the virus. It allows the school to address real-time trends and prevalence, and make timely decisions on intervention and response. All Cohort D students on campus will be required to participate in weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing. As soon as Cohort D students come to campus, NCSSM will conduct weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing to assist in the early detection and response for potential COVID-19 cases on campus.
Weekly on-campus testing will begin the week of April 12, 2021 for all Cohort D students and will continue weekly until pre-departure testing Tuesday May 18, 2021. The weekly testing process will begin with emails informing students of an upcoming test on campus. For each of the testing dates, 100% of the students on campus will test for Covid-19, using a PCR test. A link to sign up for the mandatory testing will be sent to all the students at least 48 hrs in advance. Here are all the weekly testing dates and times for Cohort D students.
Testing Dates and Times
Tuesday April 13, 2021 (8:00am - 4:30 pm)
Tuesday April 20, 2021 (8:00am - 4:30 pm)
Tuesday April 27, 2021 (8:00am - 4:30 pm)
Tuesday May 4, 2021 (8:00am - 4:30 pm)
Tuesday May 11, 2021 (8:00am - 4:30 pm)
We will be working with Accu Reference, for surveillance testing. Currently, Accu Reference gets the PCR Test results back within 24-48 hours. Accu Reference will share test results with the NCSSM clinic via a secure portal. If a student tests positive, the NCSSM clinic will work with the student and parent to identify the next steps.
It is important that all Cohort D students participate in our surveillance testing on the dates listed above. Students not completing this requirement may lose their ability to remain on campus.
Cost
In speaking with Accu Reference, a student/family’s insurance should cover the cost of the tests. For any families that are uninsured, a medical code will be submitted by Accu Reference. In the event that any family receives a bill, NCSSM will work with the lab company to resolve the matter.
FAQs - Weekly Testing
Is testing required? YES, participation in the surveillance testing is required, with limited exceptions. This is mandatory testing that must be completed on the designated dates.
Who will be eligible to be assigned for testing?
All Cohort D students who are on campus will participate in surveillance testing.
Can a student opt-out of participation?
Not at this time.
What are the consequences if a student does not show up for the testing program?
Students not completing this requirement may lose their ability to remain on campus.
What if a student has documentation that they have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies or have previously tested positive for COVID-19?
Our clinic staff will review this question with the health department as needed.
All Cohort D students will be required to participate in the pre-departure/ Exit COVID-19 testing at the end of their time on Campus. Pre-Departure/Exit testing for all Cohort D students will take place on Tuesday May 18, 2021.
Similar to our pre-arrival to campus testing, we will be working with Accu Reference, for pre-departure/exit testing. Currently, Accu Reference gets the PCR Test results back within 24-48 hours. Accu Reference will share test results with the NCSSM clinic via a secure portal. If a student tests positive, the NCSSM clinic will work with the student and parent to identify the next steps.
Cost
In speaking with Accu Reference, a student/family’s insurance should cover the cost of the tests. For any families that are uninsured, a medical code will be submitted by Accu Reference. In the event that any family receives a bill, NCSSM will work with the lab company to resolve the matter.
FAQs - Pre-Departure/ Exit Testing
Is Pre-Departure/Exit testing required?
YES, participation in Pre-Departure/Exit testing is required.
Can a student opt-out of participation?
Not at this time.
Should you have any questions regarding Cohort D Covid-19 testing, please feel free to contact us at ayesha.yousafzai@ncssm.edu.