April 3, 2020
This has undoubtedly been a trying time for the UCF community.
COVID-19 is impacting us all in some way, and public health officials are advising that the worst may be yet to come.
Still, I’ve been inspired by the bravery and humanity I’ve seen from so many. From my health care peers working on the frontlines to the restaurant workers and store employees sustaining us to our own faculty and staff helping our students navigate stress and focus on their academic success — there is much to be hopeful about.
Another positive: Next week, a COVID-19 drive-through testing site will open at UCF in partnership with Aventus Biolabs.
Public health officials say that more widespread testing is key in getting the nation back to “normal,” and this is an opportunity for UCF to contribute to that cause.
About the Testing Site
Starting Monday, COVID-19 tests will be available to all members of the community with an appointment on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until appointments are filled. The drive-through tests will be administered in Garage A.
Patients must be screened for symptoms by a healthcare provider before a test can be prescribed to those who qualify.
UCF students can obtain an ordered test from Student Health Services telehealth by calling 407-823-2701. UCF faculty and staff members can obtain their ordered test from their primary care provider or by contacting UCF Health at 407-266-3627. Aventus also can connect anyone with a telehealth provider by calling 855-282-4860.
After the patient has been screened by a provider, Aventus will reach out to complete all necessary paperwork and schedule an appointment for testing. Upon arrival during a scheduled time, individuals will drive through and receive the testing with a swab designated specifically for them. Following the 10-minute test, they’ll receive results in 24 to 48 hours.
Learn more about the testing process.
UCF Gives Back
The UCF community is making many other contributions to the battle against COVID-19.
Earlier this week, UCF employees came through in a big way, gathering masks, gloves, goggles and other medical equipment from labs and departments and donating them to hospitals. These supplies will help sustain our local hospitals as they manage the expected surge of ill patients in the weeks to come.
The team at Limbitless Solutions also is helping medical workers by creating 3D printed visors, a piece of the disposable face shields these workers desperately need.
Workers like UCF alumna Jessica Goldonowicz DeSalvo, an emergency medicine physician who shared her powerful story about waiting for the “tsunami” of COVID-19 to hit as a way to encourage people to stay home and help reduce further spread of the virus.
There are countless other projects underway by UCF students and faculty and staff members to assist with this pandemic and its impact in a variety of ways. I know our entire community appreciates these efforts.
Each of us can do our part by taking COVID-19 seriously and doing everything in our power to reduce further spread. Continue practicing social distancing and taking personal health precautions, including practicing proper hand-washing and avoiding touching your face and frequently touched surfaces.
UCF will continue to share COVID-19 updates here: https://www.ucf.edu/coronavirus/.
Dr. Michael Deichen, MD, MPH
Associate Vice President of UCF Student Health Services