UW–Madison has expanded its COVID-19 testing capacity with a new site for rapid antigen testing at the Kohl Center beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 and running through Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. This site will be open only to UW–Madison students and employees. The rapid antigen tests complement PCR tests currently available for students and employees through University Health Services (UHS). Rapid antigen testing from Abbott BinaxNOW delivers results in as little as 15 minutes. A positive BinaxNOW test result will require a confirmatory PCR test, available from UHS at the Kohl Center.

A new public health order taking effect Wednesday from Public Health Madison & Dane County prohibits off-campus indoor gatherings of any size and limits off-campus outdoor gatherings to 10 people or fewer in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. As part of the order, higher education institutions may determine their own policies and practices for safe operations and UW–Madison continues to emphasize its own safety protocols and procedures. Campus operations, including in-person instruction ahead of the Thanksgiving recess, continue as planned.

UW–Madison will be ramping up its COVID-19 testing program in the spring semester. UW leaders are asking employees for information that will help shape the details of the testing program. Many employees received a link to the survey via email on Monday, Nov. 16. The survey is open through Monday, Nov. 23, and employees are urged to respond as soon as possible. Most employees will be able to complete the survey in five minutes or less. Find the survey at this link: go.wisc.edu/64niks.

Dr. Corey Pompey, director of the UW–Madison Marching Band, calls on UW employees to support the Partners in Giving campaign in a new YouTube video. Dr. Pompey reminds the university community that social, environmental and charitable causes need funding now more than ever. Gifts of all sizes will make a difference. Online pledges can be made through payroll deduction or by credit card at giving.wi.gov. Other giving options can be found at giving.wi.gov/about-us/2020-options-for-giving. The “Stronger, Together” campaign runs through Nov. 27, 2020. Contributions are welcomed through May 15, 2021.