UCA has about 200 COVID-19 tests left for the remainder of the semester, Medical Director of the Student Health Clinic Dr. Randy Pastor said.

Pastor said the amount of tests should be enough to finish out the fall semester, and that acquiring more tests is not concrete yet.

“We’re hopeful that we’ll have more for the spring semester but won’t know for sure until early January,” Pastor said.

The Student Health Clinic offers free COVID-19 testing to students, faculty and staff but only as supplies last.

However, every household can order free tests online at covid.gov/tests. The government program provides four self-administered tests. There is no charge for shipping. 

Some expiration dates on previously ordered at-home tests have also been extended. The free-test webpage encourages individuals to check the FDA’s test expiration date information before throwing away tests.

Additionally, campus community members who are uninsured or underinsured qualify for free testing at participating locations such as Walgreens if they are symptomatic or have been exposed.

To find a participating location near you, visit testinglocator.cdc.gov. 

Near campus, the Walgreens at 505 Salem Rd., the Walgreens at 805 Oak St., and Quest Patient Service Center at 625 United Dr. are identified as participating test locations. 

The free tests are part of the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program, which is housed under the Center for Disease Control’s Bridge Access Program.

The Bridge Access Program also provides free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured individuals.

To find a participating location, visit vaccines.gov/search. 

When filling out the search criteria, check the box for Bridge Access Program Participants to find free vaccine centers.

Both Walgreens locations previously mentioned are participants in the vaccine program, as well as Baker Drug Store at 924 Front St., the CVS at 825 Oak St., and the CVS at 501 Elsinger Blvd. 

There is no enrollment process for the Bridge Access Program, according to the CDC’s website. “Providers will ask patients whether they have health insurance at the point of care to determine eligibility,” it states.

According to the CDC, respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affect more people in the winter months. 

Data from the Arkansas Department of Health, ranging from 2020 to 2022, shows cases increasing, especially in the month of January. 

As of Nov. 26, the CDC ranked Faulkner County as having low COVID-19 hospitalization numbers. Its current guidance for the county includes staying up to date on vaccines. 

“CDC recommends the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax …

“Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19,” the guidance states.

Additionally, the CDC recommends wearing a “high-quality mask or respirator” if you have symptoms, test positive or were exposed.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and to learn more about how to access free testing and vaccines, visit cdc.gov.