January 14, 2021

Dear Parents and Students,

In preparation for Winter Term 2, we wanted to share an update regarding the required pre-arrival COVID-19 testing for students who will be learning on campus (boarding or day). We understand that there is a great deal of detailed information included in this communication. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Testing Dates and Requirements

Boarding students should take their tests on or after January 25 and send their results to the Health Center before they move into the dormitories. If necessary, boarding students may bring their test results to campus on their move-in day.
Day students should take their tests on or after February 2 and send their results to the Health Center by 5 p.m. February 7.
We encourage testing on the above listed date, or as close to it as possible, to ensure results are back in time for registration.
Loomis Chaffee continues to require a molecular test, commonly referred to as a PCR test or a nucleic acid test (NAAT). We will not accept rapid antigen testing or antibody blood testing, as molecular test remain the gold standard. Please confirm the type of test that is being collected or performed.

Testing Options

Option 1 — Obtain a test at your local doctor's office, clinic, or testing site.

Linked here is a lab slip for a PCR Test signed by Dr. Kleinhen, the school physician.

You may or may not need this lab slip, but it is better to have a printed copy with you at the time the test is scheduled and/or collected. We do not need this form back. The form includes fax information for the lab to send us your results.
Option 2 — Order a home test kit from Phosphorus Lab.

Linked here is information on ordering a home testing kit.

For families electing this option, a kit should be ordered now and will arrive to your home in a few days. Hold onto the kit and set a reminder to collect the sample following package instructions, and mail back via FedEx on the appropriate date above. Please note that due to shipping restrictions, this is only an option for domestic addresses. Phosphorus does not accept insurance, and the cost is $128 per test. This option will enable the Health Center to access your results immediately, without them having to be faxed or emailed to us. Order kits and view additional information here. If the cost of the test presents a hardship for your family, please contact Nancy Cleary in the Office of Financial Aid at nancy_cleary@loomis.org

CT State Travel Advisory

A travel advisory remains in effect for the state of Connecticut. In consultation with our local Department of Public Health, the on-campus quarantine for boarding students, with testing performed upon arrival, meet the state's entry guidelines. This means that boarding families outside of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island do not need to arrange to have testing completed within 72 hours prior to arrival. Tests for these students can be performed on or after January 25, as described above. Connecticut's travel form still must be completed. https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ct/DPH/Connecticut-Travel-Health-Form The Loomis Chaffee School can provide the family with a copy of the lab that will be performed upon arrival to campus.
Any day students who have spent time outside of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and/or Rhode Island must still follow Connecticut's travel advisory upon their return to Connecticut, and should plan to complete their quarantine or text exemption requirements prior to the first day of classes.

Testing Tips

If your student's results are not back by the time that they are due to report to campus, please contact their class dean for further instructions. No student should come to campus if their test results have not been received.
If your child has a positive test result, please contact the Health Center to discuss. You can reach us at 860.687.6325.
Results can be faxed to 860.688.1557 / 860.955.3364 or emailed to health_center@loomis.org. We will confirm receipt of all faxed results. We can accept a screenshot from a portal, as long as the student name, type of test, date collected, and result are all included.
Through our last few rounds of testing, we have learned that Quest locations in Connecticut do NOT collect the PCR test. Please do not make an appointment at a Quest location. We have also found that locations that offer an electronic chart option may provide you access to results faster than they can be faxed or mailed. Setting this service up before testing can be helpful.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Health Center at 860.687.6325 or health_center@loomis.org.

Thank you.

Loomis Chaffee Health Center