Important update on phase six asymptomatic COVID-19 testing on campus

February 3, 2021 Campus updates, President's Messages

As University of Maine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy mentioned in his community message this afternoon, technological challenges on the first day of Shield T3 asymptomatic COVID-19 testing on campus led to problems scanning the QR codes on the saliva sample tubes. Participants also experienced excessive wait times for their appointments. We appreciate everyone’s patience and perseverance, and apologize for the inconvenience.

Anyone whose test results could not be processed because of the QR code problems will be notified. 

UMaine’s T3 testing for the remainder of this week, Feb. 3–5, is now canceled to resolve the QR scanning issues. Daily COVID-19 testing of UMaine students and employees resumes Monday, Feb. 8. This week’s appointments will not be rescheduled. All participants holding tickets for testing appointments this week should come next week to their assigned testing times, days and locations.

Your T3 appointment that you selected remains the same for the entire spring semester. If there is a need to reschedule due to an unplanned event, email um.covidtesting@maine.edu to request another appointment time

For community members coming for their first T3 test next week, please remember to:

  • Wear your face covering and maintain social distancing.

  • Bring your cell phone with the Safer Community app downloaded. (See instructions below.)

  • Bring your appointment ticket, either on your phone or printed.

  • Bring your MaineCard.

  • Bring this form, filled out, to your first appointment.

  • Do not eat, drink or smoke, chew gum, brush your teeth or use mouthwash within an hour of your test. Clear saliva samples are required. Samples can’t be discolored, cloudy or contaminated with food particles.

  • Be sure to hydrate with water. Stop drinking water 60 minutes before test time.

Information about the T3 test, including a how-to video, is online. In addition, flyers about preparing for the T3 test and doing the T3 test are available.

Anyone participating in phase six COVID-19 testing on campus that involves the saliva-based Shield T3 is required to download and set up the Safer Community app by Rokmetro, available for free through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Please have the app available on your smartphone for your first appointment. The University of Maine System has a step-by-step user’s guide available. Note: the Safer Community app will not be used for scheduling UMaine testing appointments; those participating in testing in Orono have received scheduling emails.

Anyone who does not have smartphone technology available will be assisted at the test site.

For each person, the app creates a unique QR code that will be scanned at testing checkout and will be used to report test results.

During the first two weeks of phase six testing, Shield T3 test results are expected within 72 hours of testing; by mid-February, test results are anticipated to report within 24 hours.

Use your @maine.edu email address and password to sign into the Safer Community app.

For University of Maine System IT assistance with the app, go online.