Beginning Monday (Nov. 8), the free COVID-19 saliva testing for asymptomatic students, staff and faculty members on the Omaha campus will move from the UNMC Ice Rink to nearby Williams Science Hall. No reservations are needed, but individuals should register online prior to testing. The move allows for testing to be indoors as the weather turns colder.
Testing will take place Monday through Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the atrium of Williams Science Hall (WSH), level one atrium, which runs alongside 42nd Street and is directly east of Wittson Hall (WHM). View campus map. The new location is conveniently located only a short walk from the UNMC Ice Rink, which has served as an outdoor testing site since Oct. 4.
Saliva testing hours will change the week of Thanksgiving as follows:
- Nov. 22 – regular hours (8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
- Nov. 23 – extended hours (8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Nov. 24-26 – closed
The Williams Science Hall site is open to all UNMC faculty, staff and students who are not sick and want to be tested for COVID-19 for any reason. Saliva PCR testing is easy — simply spit in a tube — and results are returned by email within a day.
UNMC’s Regional Pathology Services will staff the indoor testing site, which is for asymptomatic individuals only. Testing will be performed by the UNMC Emerging Pathogens Laboratory.
An alternative self-collected COVID testing method also is available. Nasal swab collection for COVID PCR testing can be obtained at the Nebraska Medicine Doctors Building South. This is a simple, painless nasal swab that can be self-administered and is not a nasopharyngeal test. An appointment is required, and walk-ins are not allowed. Use this link to review available dates and times and reserve an appointment. Testing is performed by the Nebraska Public Health Lab, and results are emailed.
Individuals on the Omaha campus who have COVID-19 symptoms should contact Student Health (402-559-7204) or Employee Health (402-552-3563) for recommendations on testing.
UNMC faculty, staff and students on campuses outside of Omaha can obtain testing through the following resources. (Details vary per site so please make direct contact for more info):
- Kearney campus – UNK Student Health at 1-308-865-8279 or email UNKHealth@unk.edu. Learn more.
- Lincoln campus – Learn more about UNL’s saliva-based testing program.
- Norfolk campus – Antigen and PCR COVID testing is available through Faith Regional Occupational Medicine. Learn more.
- Scottsbluff campus – Access the Nomi Health drive-thru testing site near Regional West Medical Center, which is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are preferred but not required. Register here. Walgreens is another option.