COVID-19 Testing and Reporting

The information on this page is updated as new information is available, and as CDC, state and local public health guidance changes. For the latest information, please check back regularly. Last updated: Jan. 14, 2022.

COVID-19 testing helps to limit the spread of the coronavirus while also facilitating early diagnosis and rapid treatment.

Unvaccinated students and employees are required to get tested at an on-campus testing clinic or submit a COVID-19 test each week. All students and employees should self-report illness/exposure and quarantine orders, as well COVID-19 positive test results if tested off-campus.

Required testing for unvaccinated students and employees

Students and employees who are unvaccinated or who have not yet submitted proof of full COVID-19 vaccination are required to get tested at an on-campus testing clinic or submit a COVID-19 test each week. PCR or antigen tests will be accepted.

REMEMBER: If you get tested at an App State testing clinic, your test results will be automatically provided to the university. You do not need to submit these results.

When should I get a COVID-19 test?

CDC recommends that you get tested for COVID-19 if you:

• Have symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. 
• Are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. 

CDC defines close contacts as individuals who have been within six feet of an active case of COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period.

CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker helps you check your symptoms online and, based on your answers, provides recommended actions and resources. 

What type of test should I get?

PCR (molecular) and antigen (rapid) tests, also called viral tests, are both used to diagnose whether someone is currently infected with COVID-19. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS):

• PCR tests detect the genetic material (RNA) that is specific to COVID-19. PCR tests are processed in a laboratory, and results can take 1-3 days. PCR tests can detect the virus within days of infection and are generally more sensitive than antigen tests.
• Antigen tests work to detect proteins that are specific to the virus that causes COVID-19. Antigen tests are often processed at the point of care, such as in a healthcare provider’s office, in about 15 minutes. People with COVID-19 symptoms and a negative antigen test should get a PCR test to confirm the negative results.

Read more: 

• FDA’s Coronavirus Disease Testing Basics page
• CDC’s COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know page
• CDC’s Test for Current Infection page

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

• App State will offer on-campus COVID-19 testing events each week for students and employees who would like a COVID-19 test for any reason. Times and locations may vary and will be posted above.
• Students who have symptoms can get a COVID-19 test at Student Health Service. Make an appointment via your MedPortal account or call 828-262-3100.
• AppHealthCare’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinics provide testing to anyone who would like a COVID-19 test. Appointments are not required. Visit AppHealthCare’s COVID-19 Testing FAQs page for information on how soon you will get your results, how you will be notified of your test results, and more.
• Visit NCDHHS’ Find My Testing Place page to find no-cost community testing events or testing sites in North Carolina.

COVID-19 self-reporting

All students, faculty and staff should self-report illness/exposure and quarantine orders, as well COVID-19 positive test results if tested off-campus.

Students and employees should also submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, including proof of a booster or additional dose. These records will be critical in making decisions regarding quarantine — learn more about quarantine and isolation. The information you report will remain confidential.

Report illness/exposure/positive test results

Regardless of vaccination status, students and employees should self-report:

• Illness that you think could be COVID-19.
• Potential or confirmed exposure to an active case of COVID-19.
• Positive test results, if tested at an off-campus testing location.
• If a healthcare provider tells you that you are presumed positive and/or if you have been instructed to quarantine by public health.

If you have reported positive test results, the university’s COVID-19 response team will be in touch as soon as possible. If you get tested at an on-campus testing clinic, you DO NOT need to submit your results as these are automatically provided to the university. 

Students and employees who are unvaccinated or who have not yet submitted proof of full COVID-19 vaccination are required to get tested at an on-campus testing clinic or submit a COVID-19 test each week. 

Submit a “Care and Concern” report

• If a student or employee reports illness, test results, exposure and/or quarantine orders to you.
• If you hear of others who may have COVID-19 and/or a known exposure, regardless of vaccination status. 
• Any other concerns you may have about illness or exposure of another App State community member.

In addition, if you have a concern about a student, you can report that concern to the Dean of Students.