The university announced a new testing system requiring students to test twice a week in order to receive a more accurate reading of COVID-19 cases on campus. This new system, which started this week, has split the student populace as some support this new system and others share concerns about safety and efficiency.
“I think bi-weekly is probably a good idea because then students are going to be more sure of their health and can stop exposing people earlier than if they were only tested once a week.” said student Kelly Buchanan.
Student Gerritt Vliek said he understands students should be tested more often but does not like the system the university uses.
“I know that I’m in the most danger when I’m taking the test with all the people that might have COVID. Like shoving a bunch of kids in a room in which some of them are sick, seems a little counter intuitive” said Vliek.
“I don’t know why I can’t get my test delivered to me,” said Vliek. “It’s safer and I’m pretty sure every student that lives on campus knows how to do it by themselves.”
“I don’t think it’s redundant, but I do think that there could be more efficient ways” said freshman Austin Tomacelli. “I think it’s as efficient as we can have it be right now but I think there might be faster ways of testing.”
Testing twice a week has also caused some to question whether or not the university will make it more flexible for students
“I don’t think that they’re going to get in the way of my schedule but the university may have to provide more flexible testing options,” said Buchanon.
The university is now offering new testing sites for students and faculty to choose from. One of these new sites is Crane Hall.
“I have not taken a test there but it seems to be more disliked,” said Tomacelli.
Student Tairyn Richards said she prefers the vault testing in the Union personally. Richards said spit testing is annoying anyways but “it’s better than nothing.”
This new schedule of testing coincides with the new approach and guidelines the university has sent out. According to President Seidel, students who have not taken their COVID-19 tests will not be allowed on campus.
