ELA COVID Testing Update

Hello everyone,

As we get ready to move in this weekend, I have an update regarding ELA’s testing requirements.

After consulting with the LA County Department of Public Health, anyone that has received a laboratory-confirmed (PCR test) positive COVID-19 test result within the last 90 days will be exempt from our weekly PCR testing. However, you will be required to participate in our weekly rapid antigen testing.

Students: Please register if you have received a laboratory-confirmed (PCR test) positive COVID-19 test result within the last 90 days. If you are in the 90-day window, you will be exempt from the PCR test, but still take the rapid antigen test during move-in.  PCR and rapid tests will be administered for those who have not had a prior infection in the last 90 days.  For those who have had an infection in the last 90 days, you will be required to rapid test three times during the week of January 17-23 in lieu of doing the PCR test on Tuesday – with one of those rapid tests being done on Thursday, January 20. All students will be rapid tested on January 20.  Please make your way to the Bordy Center between the hours of 9:00-11:00 am, 2:00-4:00 pm, or 6:00-10:00 pm to take the test.

Faculty and staff: Continue to PCR test weekly unless you have had a laboratory-confirmed (PCR test) positive COVID-19 test result within the last 90 days. Please register if you have had a laboratory-confirmed (PCR test) positive COVID-19 test result within the last 90 days.

Everyone:  We expect our first large shipment of rapid tests to arrive next week.  Once we get them, everyone will be tested three times per week, in addition to the Tuesday PCR tests, to catch any active infections.  No one is exempt from the rapid testing.  More information will be sent about the rapid tests next week.

I appreciate all that you are doing to keep our community as covid free as possible.  Looking forward to a healthy and safe semester with all of you.

Best Regards,
Timothy P. Chang (he/him/his)
Associate VP & Chief Operations Officer 
Emerson College Los Angeles