Update: COVID-19 testing and community resources

September 16, 2021

This message was sent to University of Nevada, Reno faculty and staff.

Colleagues,

The effort by the members of our campus community to keep the fall semester a safe one has been truly exceptional. Our campus vaccination rate for our employees has risen to 82 percent and, as well, many faculty and staff have sought out COVID-19 testing to limit the spread of COVID-19 on our campus. These are all positive steps. These actions speak to the care and concern the members of our campus community continue to show for one another.

Because of the high demand for COVID-19 tests at our Student Health Center among students, faculty and staff, we are encouraging all employees to seek COVID-19 testing elsewhere in the community. COVID-19 testing for employees at the Student Health Center has been offered as a courtesy since the pandemic began in 2020; however, there are sufficient community resources available for employees to seek testing off campus as the Student Health Center staff focuses on its prescribed mission to provide healthcare for our students. As many of you already know, the Student Health Center is completely self-supported by student fees and prioritizes health and wellness services for students.

COVID-19 testing is available through the Washoe County Health District, Southern Nevada Health District, and providers on the Nevada Health Response website.

Increased testing availability is also possible at two Walmart locations. Both have received special federal funding in order to meet the growing testing needs of our region. The two Walmart locations are on 2nd Street and in Lemmon Valley. Their special federal funding status provides these locations with added infrastructure and capability to handle increased demand for testing, with appointments available on weekdays (4-9 p.m.) and weekends (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing is being offered free to all residents.

2nd Street & 580
2425 E. 2nd St.
Reno, NV 89502

Book an appointment at 2nd Street

Lemmon Valley
250 Vista Knoll Pkwy
Reno, NV 89506

Book an appointment at Lemon Valley

The University appreciates your understanding regarding the demands that are being made of the Student Health Center this semester.

Thank you for all that you are doing to keep our campus safe.

Tim McFarling MSW, MA, SPHR
Associate Vice President, Human Resources