Once students return to the University of Wyoming campus during phase three of reopening, they will be required to take a COVID-19 surveillance test at least once a week.
Brant Schumaker, an epidemiologist and professor at UW, said that these surveillance tests will be similar to the Vault tests that students are required to take to return to campus.
Both tests determine if a student has COVID-19 through their saliva. Differing from the Vault test, the surveillance test will take less time to complete because various testing stations that will be located on campus.
Schumacher also said that results to these tests should be found within three to four days.
David Jones, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, said that there will be twenty-five to thirty-five testing stations on campus in the fall.
Some of these stations will be located in the Crane Hall cafeteria, the Union Gardens, the Arts and Science Auditorium, among other locations.
The Interim Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs, Anne M. Alexander, said that with these new COVID-19 related changes, more opportunities for student employment will be offered.
Despite the increase in testing, Schumacher said, “social distancing and wearing a mask are outside of our control.”
Students can still be penalized for not following COVID-19 safety guidelines established by the university earlier this summer.
