USC COVID-19 Testing 101
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
Within the first week of classes, there was an incidence of 104 new cases of COVID-19 amongst students living on or near the USC campus. Awareness of proper hygienic practices like washing your hands for 20 seconds (or more) and social distancing has increased during this pandemic, but it wasn’t sufficient to prevent the parties and gatherings resulting in overall a hundred students now being quarantined at the USC Hotel. If you’re staying in or near USC and living with others, it is strongly recommended that you get tested for COVID every week. Here’s a quick guide on how to get tested.
Take the “Health, Hygiene and Safety” Course on TrojanLearn
Go to the TrojanLearn website and search “Health, Hygiene, and Safety”. There are multiple versions of this based on your level of interaction. Select the appropriate one and start the course!
This short online course will explain proper practices regarding hygiene and behavior on campus as well as describe common symptoms. Upon completing the short quiz, you will be given access to the USC Trojan Check.
Note: this course only needs to be completed once.
USC Trojan Check
USC Trojan Check allows you to self-report your health status to grant you access to the USC Campus. Simply sign in with your USC ID and fill out a short questionnaire about your symptoms. You will not be given access to this UNTIL you complete and pass the “Health, Hygiene, and Safety” Course.
Assuming you have no symptoms, you will be given an electronic barcode that will be scanned before you step food on campus!
Note: You must submit a wellness assessment every day you wish to be on campus!
Pro tip: Download the app! It makes it much easier to keep track of your day pass.
If you have symptoms, DO NOT go in for Color testing. Call 213-740-9355 or sign up for an evaluation through your student health portal.
Scheduling your COVID-19 test with Color
Go to the Color website and simply enter your USC email.
Follow the links in your email, fill out some basic demographic information, and select your preferred location and 30 minute window where you can go in and get your COVID-19 test.
Go in for your test!
While you may arrive anytime within that window, you must contact them if you are running late so there aren’t too many people at a given time. When you arrive you simply check in with your name and birth date.
The test itself involves inserting a cotton swab into your nose and swirling it around. It’s self-administered, and you will be provided all the supplies needed on site. You may experience some slight discomfort while doing so but it should NOT cause any pain. The test itself should take a couple of seconds.
Wait for your results!
When your results are ready, you will either get a text or email (or both) and will be able to view your results! Most results are available in 1-3 days from testing.
Reminder that this test only detects if you have COVID-19, not for immunity or whether you’ve ever contracted it. A negative result simply means the virus could not be detected. It can also be possible that you may contract the virus after you get tested, which is why it’s recommended you get tested on a weekly basis.
If you receive a positive result, contact a doctor immediately to officially get diagnosed and consider next steps.
Bonus: Get your 2020-2021 flu shot! If you’re going in for the COVID-19 test, you may as well continue down the line to get your flu shot. It’s typically the last station set up at the testing site.
Pro tip: It’s complimentary if you have USC Student Health Insurance.
That’s it!
Remember to always sanitize and minimize physical contact and restrict your social bubbles as much as possible. Stay healthy and fight on!
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