BYU and partners offer COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals

Jan 20, 2022, 8:46 AM | Updated: Sep 23, 2022, 1:02 pm

BYU opend a second Provo Test Utah site at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Photo: Brigham Young University

KSLNewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY — Brigham Young University has partnered up with the Utah Department of Health and Nomi Health to open a second testing site in Provo. This new site is offering individuals with COVID-19 symptoms testing.

BYU announced the opening a second testing site for symptomatic individuals on Thursday. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms can now get tested at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Individuals will report to the west parking lot of the stadium to receive their test.

BYU has partnered with @UtahDepOfHealth & @nomihealth to open a second Provo #TestUtah site at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

These state testing sites are for symptomatic individuals in certain situations, as outlined by state officials: https://t.co/S93wY4a1bc pic.twitter.com/VBJXcnNpmP

— BYU (@BYU) January 20, 2022

Recent update to testing guidance

Utah leaders recently advised the public to stay at home if they were experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and not get tested.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen explained that those who experience symptoms that resemble COVID-19 should “act as if they have COVID” and not necessarily get tested.

However, as was explained in a COVID-19 briefing Jan. 14, some high-risk groups should still seek testing if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

The briefing explained that the following categories of people with COVID-19 symptoms should get tested.

Those who:

have an underlying condition that puts them at high-risk for severe disease
are visiting a vulnerable individual
work in a health care or congregate living setting and have been exposed or are symptomatic
tested positive previously or are getting over symptoms and are seeking confirmation that infection has passed when you are exiting isolation.

Tests for those with COVID-19 symptoms still available

An additional site at the BYU Health Center is open to exclusively BYU students, staff, faculty and dependents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

BYU is still offering COVID-19 tests to those who are not symptomatic. For example, if students aren’t vaccinated, they can get tested and show proof of a negative test as an alternative requirement to attend a BYU event.

Individuals who are seeking COVID-19 testing as an alternative requirement to attend a BYU event can be tested at a BYU Event Testing Site.

These event testing sites will operate on a first-come, first-served basis (appointments not required).

More: https://t.co/1tjJLcDzMO pic.twitter.com/2eea2dX6AQ

— BYU (@BYU) January 20, 2022

A release from the university explained that the BYU event testing sites do not require appointments. Students, staff, and faculty are tested on a fire-come, first-served basis.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus (updated Jan. 2022)

The novel coronavirus COVID-19 spreads from person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Get vaccinated. If you are vaccinated, get your booster shot.
Wear a mask. Here are the current CDC recommendations (as of Jan. 12, 2022):
- People aged 2 years and older who are not vaccinated should wear a face covering when indoors.
- When outdoors, masks are generally not needed unless you are in a crowded setting.
- Even if they are vaccinated, people with weakened immune systems may still be at risk and should wear a mask indoors.
- Masks should be worn indoors in public in high transmission areas.
- Masks that cover your nose and mouth are required to be worn on planes, busses, trains, and other public transportation when traveling into, within, or out of the United States.
Stay six feet away from others (social distancing) especially if you are at high risk.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
Testing. There are several types of tests for you to use if you suspect you are sick. These include viral and antibody tests, conducted by others or by you in your home (self-tests).
- If you test positive, you should isolate. The CDC now recommends a five-day isolation period, followed by five days of mask-wearing when around others.