Free COVID tests for the ETH community

To ensure that the Autumn Semester can take place with full participation, there has been a COVID certificate requirement for all classroom teaching at ETH Zurich since the beginning of the semester. This means that all students, lecturers and technical staff have to show a valid COVID certificate during the regular checks.

Free tests until the end of October

As of 11 October, the federal government is no longer shouldering the cost for tests for unvaccinated people without symptoms. ETH Zurich has stepped in to fill the gap: ETH members can currently receive a COVID certificate free of charge at the two test centres on Hönggerberg campus and in the main building. The results of the rapid antigen test are available quickly, and test takers can receive a COVID certificate that is valid for 48 hours.

As an alternative, ETH also offers a less invasive PCR saliva test as part of its internal CoVMass testing programme. A negative test result is valid ETH-wide for 72 hours from the time the sample is taken and entitles the test taker to attend all courses at ETH Zurich as well as joint courses at the University of Zurich. To visit restaurants, libraries or ASVZ sports facilities, an official COVID certificate is required.

New free testing system in place from 1 November

In order to continue allowing unvaccinated people free and unhindered access to classroom teaching, the ETH Zurich Executive Board has decided to implement the following testing system starting on 1 November:

• On Mondays, the two externally operated testing centres on Zentrum campus (main building) and on Hönggerberg campus (HPI building) will continue to be open. The results of the rapid antigen test can be made immediately available as an official COVID certificate. Both testing centres will be open every Monday from 7 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
• For the rest of the week, test takers have the option of using CoVMass, the university’s internal PCR testing programme. The results and certificate are usually made available on the same day via email and SMS. Saliva samples can be submitted from Monday to Thursday from 7.30 to 10.00 a.m. and from Monday to Wednesday from 4.00 to 8.00 p.m.

This combination of rapid antigen tests on Monday and PCR saliva tests for the rest of the week will allow all members of the ETH community to have free access to in-person teaching. It is currently planned to offer the new testing system until the end of February 2022.

Off-campus courses

ETH members at the Basel location can make use of the public rapid antigen tests. ETH Zurich will cover the costs of the tests if they are required for attending courses or due to operational needs. The university will also cover the costs of public rapid antigen tests if they are needed for courses that take place off campus in Zurich. Confirmation from the lecturer is required.

Anyone who receives a positive test result should continue to inform (for employees) or (for students).