11/18/2020: The following message was sent to F-1 and J-1 students on the behalf of Emory Student Health Services (SHS). 

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Subject line: End of the semester travel planning

Dear international students,

We hope that you are doing well and staying healthy. This message about COVID-19 testing and travel is for international students who are currently in the United States (US) and is being sent on behalf of Emory Student Health Services (SHS).

As you prepare to leave for winter break, you may have travel plans to visit with family and friends. It is critically important that you continue to guard your health and safety.

If you plan to travel within the US during winter break:

• Review the destination state’s COVID-19 reentry guidelines, which can be found here. Familiarize yourself with their COVID-19 requirements in advance of departure.
• Consider all of the safety measures needed to travel safely, including knowing when to delay your travel.
• Check the Emory COVID-19 Testing Schedule:
  • November 16-20: The current antigen testing method will continue to be available at the WoodPEC and Emory Conference Center Hotel for all residential students.
  • November 23-25: Saliva antigen testing will be available at the Emory Conference Center Hotel.
  • Beginning November 23, Emory will transition to saliva antigen-based testing on a platform called Quanterix.
• Consider being tested for COVID-19 three to five days after you arrive at your destination even if the state does not require it.
• Get a flu vaccine if you have not already done so to further protect yourself and others. Free flu shots are available for students through November 20 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel with a COVID-19 test or by making an appointment with SHS.

If you plan to travel outside of the US during winter break:

• Look up your destination’s COVID-19-related entry requirement.
• Arrange testing through SHS as most countries require a PCR test. Use this link to submit a form in order for SHS to reach out to you.
• You will be notified one day before your testing appointment. If you cannot make your appointment or miss your time slot, send SHS a message in the student portal.
• A PCR test is different than the test for compliance for on-campus activities.
• IgM testing is not done at SHS or Emory University Hospital. See below for a list of IgM testing sites near Emory. Contact the testing facility first to confirm that they offer COVID-19 testing within the timeframe required by your destination country. Inquire about estimated cost.
  • Peachtree Immediate Care (See curbside testing clinic options)
  • Gwinnett Clinic
  • Certivia Laboratories*
  • Vitality Sciences*
    
    *Note: Certivia Laboratories and Vitality Sciences do not take insurance. You will be required to pay in cash or by debit/credit card. If you have Emory’s student health insurance, you can submit for reimbursement, but please be aware that the reimbursement amount will differ for out-of-network providers. As a result, it may be preferable to schedule an appointment at an in-network provider.

If you have questions about scheduling a required COVID-19 test to travel to another state within the US or outside of the US, contact the COVID-19 Assessment Provider via the student patient portal to review your options.

For any other concerns or questions, please visit the Student Health Services website or contact Student Health Services at 404-727-7551 to be connected to the appropriate team member.

Safe travels!
The ISSS Team

Reminder: If you intend to travel outside the US over winter break, complete the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link for immigration advising before leaving the US.