COVID-19 UPDATE: Winter Break Campus Services and COVID-19 Testing

December 4, 2020 |

Dear Carolina Students,

I hope that you are finding time to relax and enjoy your winter break after what I know was a stressful and challenging semester for many of you.

For those who are spending some part of your break in the Chapel Hill or Carrboro area, there are campus services available for students, although hours may be limited. Check out our Student Affairs website for information about the following campus resources and more:

  • Campus Health/Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Open until Dec. 23, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. After hours health services and CAPS 24-7 are always available by phone.
  • University Libraries: Davis Library is open Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Dec. 20; the Health Sciences Library is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. through Dec. 20.
  • Carolina Dining Services: Dining Halls are closed, but other campus dining options are available, including The Beach Café at the Brinkhous-Bullitt Building.
  • Campus Rec: Ram’s Head Rec Center is open through Dec. 18; the Rock Wall is open through Dec. 13
  • UNC Student Stores: Open weekdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(For detailed information and any updated hours of operation, please visit each department’s website.)

As a reminder to those of you who are still in the local Chapel Hill community but planning to return home for some portion of the winter break: please remember to make an exit plan to reduce your risk of being exposed to COVID-19 during the 14 days before you travel. Be sure to follow the 3Ws, monitor for symptoms, and get tested before you leave, to help prevent illness among your family and friends. If you plan to come back to the area early (well before the start of classes), you’ll also want to get a test soon after you return — and then again prior to coming back to campus in order to meet the re-entry testing requirement.

COVID-19 testing opportunities on or near campus for students over break include:

  • Asymptomatic testing at the Carolina Union is available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., through Tuesday, Dec. 22. This testing is available for on- and off-campus students who are asymptomatic and are not considered a close contact to a positive individual.
  • Orange County has ongoing free testing opportunities. Learn more at orangecountync.gov/testing.
  • The Campus Health Testing Center is still available for scheduled appointments for students who are symptomatic, close contacts of individuals who have tested positive, or those who believe they have been exposed to someone with the virus.
  • You will receive more information about the testing requirements and details of the Carolina Together Testing Program in another message soon.

For students near and far looking for activities or engagement opportunities, there are a number of virtual events scheduled over winter break. Visit HeelLife to find ways to stay involved during break and to start planning your involvement in campus activities this spring.

Finally, please take time to rest, do things you enjoy, and take care of your physical and mental health. Visit the Healthy Heels blog for advice and tips on staying healthy and well.

All my best wishes for a relaxing, safe and healthy break,

Amy Johnson
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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