About
About
Many people are looking for a way to “give back” and help us stop the spread. Vaccinations and Testing are both needed to keep us safe. UT Austin’s Proactive Community Testing (PCT) are in need of volunteers for the this semester to help with COVID testing. The COVID testing team is ramping up their staff but need a little help until their folks get onboarded. There is no required skill set and any help we can give them is greatly appreciated.
Opportunities
In-person opportunities only:
- Line Manager Role: Assist with the check-in process at clinics and make sure those in line maintain proper social distancing and are prepared for their appointment.
- Proper PPE:
• Surgical mask fit to your face
• Please do your best to maintain 6 feet distance when speaking with those in line - Familiarize yourself with signage and location of paper forms, etc:
• Read the sign that has 2 QR codes so you can direct people to scan the top one for the UT Protect Texas Together app webpage and the bottom one for access to their MyUHS portal to access their QR code for their appointment.
• Locate the location of the blank forms, clean pens and drop spot for form and dirty pens.
• Read the forms to see which one replaces the Campus Survey (Symptom Screening) and the PCT Consent and provide to participants as needed. (We want this process to be easy, so no need to pressure for use of the app) - Prior to check-in, check for the 3 things they need to show on their phone or sign on site:
- Protect Texas Together Campus Pass (QR code on sign)– Symptom Survey – Green check – or paper questionnaire
- Consent: PCT Consent in PTT app, or sign paper consent
- QR Code for appt or EID on PTT app if walkup
- Help ensure those in line maintain proper social distancing measures.
- Collection Role: Guide participants through the sample collection process (a painless saliva-based test) to ensure that a viable sample is collected. Essentially, this means you will be watching the individual spit in a tube. A script will be provided to help you through the guiding process.
- Proper PPE:
• Surgical mask fit to your face
• Gloves (optional – touching specimens should not occur) - Prepare collection space:
• Sanitize surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol spray or sanitizing wipe
• Keep all table supplies on staff side of plexiglass barrier
• Sample rack is kept on participant’s side
• Ensure you are standing behind the plexiglass barrier while a participant is at your station - Prep for your next participant:
• Sanitize your hands/gloves (change after ~5 uses)
• Call for the next participant. - At the end of your shift:
• Clean all surfaces of station.
• Tie closed trash bag and place in larger trash bag with other station’s trash.
• Remove your gloves, sanitize your hands.
• Then, remove your shield.
• Wipe your face shield with a sanitizing wipe and let dry (>1 minute), if streaky, may rinse with clean water at sink. - Keep your surgical mask in place at all times in the clinic space.
If you need to change your schedule or need to step away from your station during your session, please advise the site management.
General Information
- Ensure you and those around you, participants and other staff, are maintaining proper social distancing at all times, >6ft.
- Wear comfortable closed toed shoes (you will likely be standing), comfortable, professional clothing (scrubs, jeans and t-shirt - no logos), no cologne or perfume
*We have recently received updated guidance from EHS for disposal and recycling since the creation of these training materials. Please note: We are use both biohazard bins and also recycle.
Testing Locations
1. Student Services Building (SSB) - Glenn Maloney Room (Ground Floor, G1.310)
100 W Dean Keeton St.
Austin, TX 78712
2 morning shifts – 8:45 am – 1:00 pm
2 afternoon shifts – 2:00 pm – 5:45 pm
2. The Texas Union – Eastwood Room (2.102) (In the lobby, across from Union Coffee House)
2308 Whitis Ave.
Austin, TX 78712
2 shifts – 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Volunteer shifts are first come according to our sign-up sheet.
Contact Information
Alyson Weaver
alyson.weaver@austin.utexas.edu
512-475-6112
We encourage you to be vaccinated and boosted.
Please inform us if you must cancel with as much notice as possible. Please do not report to volunteer if you have fever or any symptoms not due to seasonal allergies.
As long as you are a current UT student, you are eligible to volunteer!
COVID-19 Requirements
Wondering if you should register to volunteer? Based on the CDC guidelines, we are asking you the following questions:
- Have you been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19? See the CDC’s risk assessment guidance.
- Do you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19? Symptoms can include a cough or shortness of breath or at least two of the following: Fever, Chills, Repeated shaking with chills, Muscle pain, Headache, Sore throat, New loss of taste or smell. See the CDC’s symptom information.
If volunteering at the Union, you’re still able to park and validate at the 27th Street Garage which is about a 10-minute walk to the Union.
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