BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana University announced its plan Friday to test all incoming students for COVID-19 as part of the move-in process.
The rapid-result nasal swab tests are expected to let university officials and each student know whether they are positive or negative in about 15 minutes. Students who test positive will be asked to return home or will go to isolation housing located on campus.
Dr. Aaron Carroll, a professor at the IU School of Medicine and director of surveillance and mitigation for COVID-19, said the university will also administer saliva tests each week to students who are, at first, randomly selected.
Carroll said their goal is to eventually test all students at least once a week. Faculty and staff will also be tested regularly.
"Perfection is not our goal. It's unreachable," said Carroll. "But every infection we pick up and prevent from moving in is a win."
University leaders also said all students will be given an IU-embroidered, reusable mask and disposable masks will be available in dispensers throughout campus.
“We expect students to wear one,” said Kirk White, assistant vice president at IU, who added masks will be required for in-person classes.
Move-in starts Sunday for IU students in Bloomington.
