Testing, Isolation & Health Information

COVID-19 Testing is available on-campus for university students and employees five days a week at the Pat Walker Health Center (Appointment Only).

• Call 479-575-4451, option 1 to speak with a scheduler or medical provider, OR

• Schedule online at using the Patient Web Portal.

• Results typically returned within 48 hours for PCR and under 30 minutes for rapid antigen test.

• If you test positive for COVID-19, PWHC medical staff will advise you of next steps and report your case to the University for you.

PWHC can file with your health insurance provider, however out-of-pocket costs are determined by your individual plan. Discounts may apply to uninsured patients for their COVID-19 test; however, office visit and other ancillary charges may still apply.

If you do not have health insurance, a Student Health Insurance Policy  is offered by Academic Health Plans and is underwritten by United Healthcare Student Resources.

University of Arkansas health plans provide will provide full reimbursement for costs of at-home COVID-19 tests for plan participants. 

At-home tests provide for the sample collection, analysis, and testing results at home.  The program does NOT cover testing in which the sample is collected at home and mailed/delivered to a testing facility.

• United Health Care plans cover medically appropriate COVID-19 testing at no cost when ordered by a physician or appropriately licensed health care professional for purposes of the diagnosis or treatment of an individual member. UnitedHealthcare health plans generally do not cover COVID-19 surveillance testing, which is testing used for public health or social purposes such as employment (return to workplace), education, travel, or entertainment.

PCR/Asymptomatic Testing: Results can take up 48 hours to be returned, however testing demand can impact turnaround time.

Once your test results have been returned, your medical provider will contact you either by phone or through secure messaging through the Patient Web Portal.

Rapid Symptomatic Testing: Individuals experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should make an appointment to be seen by a medical provider at the Pat Walker Health Center. Once a rapid COVID-19 test is completed, you will recieve results in as little as 15-20 minutes. 

Isolation procedures are critical to the university’s mitigation strategy. Although similar, there are important differences between the two depending on your COVID-19 status. Regardless, it means staying home and away from others after you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Isolation: separates and restricts the movement of people who are sick with a contagious disease — like COVID-19 — from people who are not sick. This would be any individual who tests positive for COVID-19.

• Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19. You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. 

U of A community members tested on campus will receive specific instructions and next steps from their Pat Walker Health Center medical provider. 

WHEN TO STAY HOME

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19. You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.

For isolation guidance, refer to the CDC's Isolation Calculator & Guidance.

• You should isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.

• Get tested no earlier than 5 days after your close contact; test earlier if you develop symptoms. If you test positive, remain at home and begin isolation process outlined above.

• Watch for symptoms until 10 days after close contact even if your test result is negative.

• If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately, wear a mask and set an appointment to be tested.

• Continue to take precautions (wear a mask, avoid travel, avoid those at high risk) until 10 days (after close contact). 

If you test positive for COVID-19 with a home-test, start isolation as there is no need to re-test. A positive home test = a positive test.

If you are unsure if you need to be tested, call to speak with a medical provider.

On-Campus Residents:

• Students living on campus should return home temporarily or use an off-campus alternative to complete their isolation period.
• Students who cannot find a place to complete their isolation period off-campus can discuss all viable options with their hall or apartment staff.
• Students can return to their on-campus assignment after the isolation time recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health authorities.

Off-Campus Students: 

• Students living off campus should complete their isolation period at their home residence or somewhere with access to a separate room and bathroom.
• Students should not leave their home except to get medical care.
• Students needing help can also contact U of A Cares for additional support.

Those who receive a positive test result should follow isolation guidelines and notify supervisors, and/or instructors as they would for other illness related absences. The university also encourages the notification of others who may be considered close contacts (see below). 

If you have tested positive — or been identified as a close contact — we encourage you to reach out to those you have recently been in close contact with to inform them of your status.