The Spring Semester is right around the corner, and so are some new policies regarding testing and campus access.
Here is what you need to know:
- UW–Madison will begin offering saliva-based tests the week of Jan. 11 at selected sites. These fast, accurate tests ultimately will be available at 12 sites on campus seven days a week. Results are expected to be available within 24 hours, often sooner.
- Beginning Jan. 25, faculty and staff working on campus or using campus facilities will be required to test regularly. At a minimum, any time you are coming to campus for any reason, you will need to have tested negative within the previous eight days. (Certain employees will be asked to test more often, given their role on campus. If you are affected, you will be notified by your supervisor.)
- An appointment system will avoid lines and help the testing process go quickly. You can schedule appointments via the Safer Badgers app and website.
- The testing will be offered at no cost to UW–Madison employees and students.
In order to streamline this process, UW-Madison will be rolling out the Safer Badgers App. The app is free, safe, and easy to use. It can be used to schedule tests, obtain test results, and access other health resources.
- The Apple version of the app is available at saferbadgers.wisc.edu.
- The Android version is awaiting approval by Google. We will send an email as soon as that is approved. If you are an Android user and you need to be tested early next week, please email android@umark.wisc.edu. A website version also will be available soon.
- One screen of the app, called the Badger Badge, will serve as your virtual access pass to campus, including workplaces and buildings where in-person classes and other in-person activities are being held. The Badger Badge will be green when you are in compliance with campus requirements – i.e., have a negative test from within eight days, are not required to be in quarantine/isolation, and have not reported COVID-19 symptoms.
- The Badge will not show any private health information – it will simply show your building access status. Starting Jan. 25, you’ll need to show your Badger Badge upon request to get into campus buildings. If it is not green, you will not be allowed to enter.
- A campus loan program will provide limited-use devices with the app to those who need them. Learn more.
Any new information pertaining to the Safer Badgers App or Spring Semester Testing Policies will be communicated through this blog, so continue to monitor for updates!
Stay safe, and enjoy the rest of your Winter break.