SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus that often leads to the infectious disease, COVID-19, which starts with mild flu-like symptoms, but in a minority of cases may cause pneumonia, hospitalization, and possible death.  Unlike most other coronaviruses, it seems to be spread efficiently from individuals who experience or display no symptoms. Early identification of cases and their close contacts is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

All Touro University California students, staff, and faculty are required to participate in campus COVID-19 surveillance testing to identify potential incidences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on Touro's need to maintain a safe environment for students, employees, contractors, and other essential persons on campus.

The test being administered involves a collection of a saliva sample that will be pooled with samples from other participants. If the results of the pooled test indicates a potential incidence of SARS-CoV-2, participants will be directed to obtain an individual diagnostic test at a medical facility and will be prevented from accessing campus until their diagnostic test results are shared with the school.

Students, staff, and faculty have the right to discuss the proposed testing with their physician, to learn about the purpose, potential risks and benefits of testing.

Individuals meeting one of the following criteria may be exempted from a test:

Individuals who prefer to be tested by another source within three days, before or after, their assigned testing time.  Touro will not reimburse for testing done at alternative facilities. Individuals must provide the results to Touro University California Student Health (students) or Human Resources (employees) one business day in advance of seeking entry to campus.

Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the 60 days prior to selection.  A copy of the prior positive test result must be provided to Touro University California Student Health (students) or Human Resources (employees).

Individuals with a disability that would physically preclude them from having the test done must coordinate this Touro University California Student Health (students) or Human Resources (employees).

Individuals who are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Speak with Touro University California Student Health (students) or Human Resources (employees) if you believe you should be exempted from the test or if you have any other concerns regarding this program.

At this time, those who have received one of the FDA approved vaccines are still required to participate in the Touro University California Surveillance Program.

If you decline to participate in this testing program, absent an exemption, you will not be allowed to access Touro University California facilities and your continued studies or employment may be adversely impacted.

Due to the ongoing public-health crisis, it may be necessary for Touro to share the results of your test as requested, recommended or required by federal, state, and local public health authorities.

Touro is not acting as the medical provider for students, staff, and faculty.  This testing does not replace treatment by your medical provider, and you assume complete and full responsibility to take appropriate action with regard to your test results.

As with any medical test, there is the potential for a false positive or false negative test result.

All students, staff, and faculty must carefully monitor their own symptoms and, notwithstanding the results of any testing, must stay home and consult with their physician if they experience symptoms of COVID-19.