COVID-19 Test Kit Vending Machines Available at UC San Diego

COVID-19 test kits are now available out of vending machines — if you so happen to be a student or employee at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego).

The university put up vending machines throughout its campus to provide free test kits as the semester starts, to keep everyone safe. 

The machines are part of UC San Diego's "Return to Learn" program, which offers free screening and symptom tests for students and employees. 

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The university covers the costs of the tests, and students and employees are expected to test weekly before safely going about their business on campus. Those working remotely are also encouraged to test every two weeks free of charge. 

As of December, there are 20 vending machines dotted around the UC San Diego campus, and testing is encouraged for both symptomatic and asymptomatic people. 

The hope is to improve the health and safety of the campus community to "quickly identify and contain any potential outbreaks of COVID-19," as per the university's website.

Aside from the symptom tests, which are available from these vending machines, students and employees are also expected to carry out screening tests daily.

These involve answering a daily survey so as to determine whether or not someone is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19. These also let you know if you've been exposed to someone with symptoms or who has tested positive for COVID-19.

There is a color-coded thumbs-up system that lets each person know whether they're safe to go about their daily campus business.

The green thumb means you're clear to go to campus, orange means you've been exposed and should quarantine, and red means you have symptoms related to COVID-19 or that you've not completed all testing required, and should isolate.

As for those who don't complete their test "for more than 16 days will be referred to the Student Conduct Office for the progressive discipline process."

Vending machines around the world are selling all sorts of goods nowadays. In Hong Kong, there are some that offer free face masks, and in Vancouver, you can buy opioids.