Unobserved Self-Administered Testing

The following questions and answers are provided for the Harvard School of Engineering and FAS Division of Science communities.

 

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“As Harvard continues to welcome back students, faculty, academic personnel, and staff to our campus, COVID testing will remain a part of the University’s ongoing efforts to track and limit the coronavirus within our community.

 

All University affiliates who are authorized to be on campus are required to be tested at their assigned cadence. Required testing cadences will be determined by factors including whether you live on or off campus, your vaccination status, and infection rates in the local community.

 

Effective July 28, the University will shift to new testing cadences for all affiliates. Also effective July 28, each member of the Harvard community can find their testing cadence requirement by logging into Crimson Clear.

 

https://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/testing-tracing/

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Harvard has transitioned to unobserved self-administered testing. For Harvard affiliates who are authorized to be on campus, you are required to test yourself at your assigned cadence, learn more here: https://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/testing-tracing/#unobserved

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF

How often and when will test kits be distributed? 

For the FAS Science and SEAS community, test kits will be distributed bi-weekly on Mondays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Northwest Labs Building, room 104. Lab/COVID Safety Officers should make every effort, or send a delegate, to pick up their research group’s test kits during this time window.

 

I need another test kit, or I missed the Monday pick-up. What do I do?

If you are a member of the FAS Science Division and you need another test kit, they will be available through the Northwest Building Operations Office, in NW 102 (SEAS’ will be available outside Pierce G3E). If you are from another Division or School, please reach out to your testing legibility coordinator for more information on obtaining another test kit.

 

Are the observed testing locations at the Science Center and/or Allston still available?

No, observed testing has been discontinued for all Harvard affiliates.  Please submit your test via the unobserved, self-administered testing program.

 

If members of the research group live on-campus or are part of the residential community (resident, tutor, proctor, etc.), do they get their test kits from the College or from the lab?

Those that are associated with or live in the College houses should get their test kits from the College not from the research group. Test kits will be distributed to these individuals in their HUMS mailbox. Students and other individuals that live in Harvard-managed apartments and work on campus, should get their test kits through their research groups/laboratories if they meet the testing eligibility requirements.

 

Is there training available that demonstrates how to do your unobserved, self-administered test?

Yes, HUHS offers an online training that provides step-by-step instructions for Harvard students, faculty, and staff to collect and submit their own COVID-19 test samples. 

 

Where are the test kit drop-off locations?

A map of the test kit drop-off locations is available here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?hl=en&mid=1Q3-6GosJW6iS-baoftdeF_x6wQFakZe9&ll=42.364015517146775%2C-71.12069923813904&z=12.

 

Will I have swipe card access to the drop off locations?

Anyone with a HUID card will be able to access the Science Center and the Smith Center. Those on the FAS Science and SEAS testing eligibility list, will also have access to the Northwest Bldg (via the Oxford Street security desk entrance).

 

What are the test kit pick-up times for the various deposition stations?

Currently, HUHS and HUMS are working on the test kit pick-up schedule. A rule of thumb is that test kits dropped off by 2 pm will be picked up on the same day. Test kits dropped off after 2 pm may be picked up same day but will likely be picked up the following morning. Until the pick-up schedule is solidified, test kits completed on Friday afternoons or over the weekend should be brought to the Smith Center deposition station.

 

ELIGIBILITY

How do I know if I am eligible for testing and/or how do I know which testing group I have been assigned to?

Your testing eligibility information and your assigned testing group are listed on your profile page in on Crimson Clear - https://crimsonclear.harvard.edu/.


Who do I contact if I am not eligible for testing, but I think I should be?

For information about testing eligibility and the testing schedule for the various testing groups, please see https://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/testing-tracing#unobserved. If you are a member of the FAS Science Division Community, please complete the FAS Division of Science Testing Eligibility Review Request at: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5yVjmg0RnlGeOTb. If you are from another Division or School, please reach out to your testing legibility coordinator.
 

Who do I contact if I have been assigned to the wrong testing group?

If you are a member of the FAS Science Division Community and you think you have been assigned to the wrong testing group, please complete the FAS Division of Science Testing Eligibility Review Request at: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5yVjmg0RnlGeOTb. If you are from another Division or School, please reach out to your testing legibility coordinator.


 

My research group is based at the Arnold Arboretum or Weld Hill. Where do I get my test kit?

The Arboretum has procured test kits on your behalf. Please contact Faye Rosin (frosin@oeb.harvard.edu) for more information.

 

If I am a graduate student and primarily work remotely but I do come to campus occasionally, do I need to be tested twice per week?

No, if you are a graduate student and only come to campus occasionally, you should submit a test on the days that you are on campus for a maximum cadence of twice per week. You do not need to come to campus to complete a test if you are otherwise not planning to be on campus. If you are assigned to testing group B- twice per week testing - please complete the FAS Division of Science Testing Eligibility Review Request at: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5yVjmg0RnlGeOTb to request that you be changed to testing group D, which is for those that are on campus sporadically and only require ad-hoc testing.

 

COLOR ACCOUNT

How do I register for a Color account?

You can register for a Color account here: https://home.color.com/create-account?next=%2Fcovid%2Factivation. You will need to set up your Color account using your official Harvard email address, also known as your Color provisioning email address. You can confirm this email address via your profile in Crimson Clear - https://crimsonclear.harvard.edu/.
 

How do I know what email to use for my Color account registration?

You will need to set up your Color account using your official Harvard email address, also known as your Color provisioning email address. You can confirm this email address via your profile in Crimson Clear - https://crimsonclear.harvard.edu/.


I am having problems with my Color account and/or I forgot my Color account password, who do I contact?

For issues with your Color account, please contact support@color.com.

 

RESULTS

I received a message that my test was invalid or indeterminate, what do I do?

Occasionally, your result may be invalid or indeterminate. If you receive an invalid or indeterminate result, you will need to promptly repeat the test. If your repeat test requires clinical observation, HUHS will let you know. If you are a member of the FAS Science Division, and you need another test kit, they will be available through the Northwest Building Operations Office, in NW 102. (If you are a member of the SEAS community, they will be available outside Pierce G3E). If you are from another Division or School, please reach out to your testing eligibility coordinators for more information on obtaining another test kit. (From HUH’s Testing and Tracing website: https://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/testing-tracing/test-results#positive)


I received a message that I tested positive, what do I do?

If you receive a notification of a positive test, it's incredibly important to minimize your movement and exposure to others. HUHS will promptly contact you to discuss what it means to be positive and explain next steps, including a move to isolation and follow-up by a trained, HUHS contact tracer. If you don’t hear from HUHS and have an immediate question, please call them directly. As required by state law, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will also be notified of any positive test result. (From HUH’s Testing and Tracing website: https://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/testing-tracing/test-results#positive)

After the initial conversation with you, HUHS will contact:

  • School emergency leads, including College housing (if applicable)
  • Campus Services, including emergency management, environmental health and safety, security, facilities management, and dining services
  • These two groups, in partnership with HUHS, will work together to mobilize local support. They will take great care to ensure your privacy while supporting your move to isolation and, if you're living on campus, caring for you during the isolation period.