By: Jacob Hitz 2/8/21
Photo Courtesy: Raider Respect
SHIPPENSBURG - Shippensburg University announced on Thursday that the testing protocol used in the fall semester would be changing for the spring semester.
Symptomatic tests will remain at Etter Health Center this spring, while asymptomatic tests and tests for possible exposure to COVID-19 will take place in the new R3 center in the Airport Lounge in the CUB.
According to the university, the new testing protocol will be mandatory for students living on-campus, while students that live off-campus can opt into the testing protocol to participate in events and groups on-campus.
On-campus students will be required to get tested once a week no later than each Monday at 4:00 PM. The university has not provided specific deadlines for off-campus students yet.
The new R3 center will use PCR saliva tests instead of nasal swabs, and students will get their results within 24 hours.
The Raider Respect webpage states “all mitigation protocols remain mandatory on campus and members of the community should continue these practices when away from campus”, meaning masks and social distancing will again be present on-campus this spring.
The new testing protocol is also to “allow our campus opportunities to offer more to students, faculty, and staff”, according to an email sent to students from the Shippensburg University COVID-19 office. SUTV will provide updates on COVID-19 in Shippensburg as more develops throughout the semester.