A Branding Iron reader sent in a photo of the long line at the Union COVID-19 testing site last Wednesday. The photo depicts a lax in social distancing.
“I have heard from a lot of people going to their random COVID testing that it does not feel like a safe environment that is helping limit the spread of the virus,” said an anonymous source who would prefer to stay unnamed due to employment at the university.
The source clarified that they are not a student, but know multiple people who have been tested at the Union who have had uncomfortable experiences due to the amount of people at the testing site.
According to UW news, the next phase of testing started on October 19th. This new phase requires students who spend time on campus to test twice a week and employees on campus to test once a week.
The Branding Iron spoke to multiple undergraduate students undergoing testing.
Paul Brantner, a criminal justice major, said, “I personally have not experienced overcrowding at the ballroom testing site. The staff does a great job at maintaining social distancing and they are ensuring that people wear their masks properly.”
According to multiple signs hanging throughout the Union, masks and six feet social distancing are required while at the testing site. This is uniform across the UW campus.
Jamie Smith, a biology major, had a differing outlook and said, “There have been a handful of times where the line for testing is really long and while most people do distance, there are many who just don’t care.”
A couple students remarked about the increased testing in the newest phase.
Katie Dietz, a senior, said, “I haven’t experienced any overcrowding. So far for me, it’s gone smoothly, it’s just annoying doing a test every week I suppose.”
According to Ellie Wilson, who is also a senior, she doesn’t test because she has only online classes.
“I’m never on campus, so I don’t go for testing because it’s not worth it for me. I think twice a week is a bit overkill but I get that UW is trying to be safe for those who are on campus regularly.”
The Union testing site is one of two on campus. Crane Hall is also open for COVID-19 testing.
According to Max Halley, an accounting major, he has not experienced any overcrowding at Crane Hall since it opened for testing.
