Over the next two weeks, University of Idaho will work to test all students for COVID-19 once again, according to an email sent to students, faculty and staff today.
Latah County has 600 confirmed and 17 probable COVID-19 cases as of today, according to Public Health – Idaho North Central District (PH-INCD). Of these 617 individuals, 453 of them are 18- to 29-year-olds.
As of today, 59 students are in isolation and 14 Greek life chapters are in isolation, the email stated. Fewer than five non-student employees have tested positive since August, none of which were traced back to classroom activities by PH-INCD.
Out of 1,389 COVID-19 tests received Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 week, 8.35% had positive results, the email stated. Most of the spread was seen in the Greek life community with few cases in the residence hall and off campus communities, the email stated. Since some of this week’s testing was targeted, the modeling team believes the university community may be testing at 5.3% instead.
Instructors are allowed to choose whether to deliver classes in person or remotely this week, the email stated. The university is not transitioning online because most infection is isolated to the Greek system and going online does not restrict the spread of COVID-19 and may make it worse, the email stated.
“As mentioned earlier, (PH-INCD) has confirmed that no transmission has been traced to the classroom and that our protocols for in-class delivery are still valid and working,” the email stated. “Having said that, if our plan to again test all students is not as effective as we expect and strains our healthcare system, we will not hesitate to move to online instruction.”
Most results from the new testing initiative are expected to be returned in 24-48 hours, but some may take longer due to increased testing volume. Students who have been tested since Sept. 28, previously tested positive or are not taking any-in person classes will not be required to retest. Any students who have not been retested will not be allowed to attend classes in person after Oct. 16.
“If you test late Thursday, you may not receive your results until Monday morning,” the email stated.
The testing will be located at the Student Recreation Center. Symptomatic students are asked to email [email protected] to set up a test at Gritman Medical Center’s Martin Wellness Center. Parking and Transportation Services will provide transportation to the center if needed.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]