In accordance with a directive from the State University of New York, all state-operated SUNY campuses, including Buffalo State College, will conduct testing of employees who are required to report in person to campus to complete some or all of their work obligation. This directive is effective immediately and continues through December 31, 2020.
Because of the critical need to quickly identify and control the spread of the COVID-19 infection, SUNY has established agreements with UUP, CSEA, PBANYS, and PEF to conduct mandatory testing of represented employees. Management Confidential (M/C) employees are also included in the mandatory testing.
To detect COVID-19 cases and identify asymptomatic carriers, Buffalo State has implemented regular surveillance testing via self-administered saliva tests. Pool testing—combining samples from several people and conducting one laboratory test on the combined pool of samples—will be used to quickly identify and address potential outbreaks within our campus population.
We will collect the samples, which will then be pooled and assessed at a laboratory. Results from the pools are expected to be returned confidentially within 48 hours of receipt. We are in the process of coordinating the logistics of sample collection.
When you are selected to participate in pool testing, you will receive an e-mail informing you of the date, time, and location of your test, along with relevant instructions. If you are reporting to campus on the assigned date, and the time of the test is during your regular work hours, you are required to complete the test. All testing must be completed during the assigned time frame.
Please note that Buffalo State is extending the opportunity to be tested to all campus employees including those represented by NYSCOPBA and staff members of the Buffalo State College Foundation and SUNY Research Foundation at Buffalo State. These employees are strongly encouraged to participate.
To understand what to expect during the testing process, please watch this brief video. Please e-mail hrcovidresponse@buffalostate.edu or call Human Resource Management at 878-3042 if you have questions.
On your testing date, if you answer “yes” to any of the health screening questions on the Daily Health Screening Questionnaire—indicating that you may have been exposed to COVID-19—please do not report to work or for testing.
Thank you for your participation in this important process aimed at protecting the health and safety of our campus community.
Please continue to practice social distancing, wear face masks, and wash your hands regularly.
