Binghamton University begins COVID-19 surveillance testing of all students
Surveillance testing for COVID-19 began this week at Binghamton University in New York. The testing will be conducted throughout the semester and will look at samples of the campus population to aim to identify problem areas or potential hot spots for viral spread.
“The purpose of an active surveillance program is to identify the presence of COVID-19 as early as possible,” said David Hubeny, executive director of emergency management for the campus. “By actively seeking out instances of the virus in our community, we expect to be able to intervene before significant spread occurs. Surveillance testing combined with community compliance through social distancing and mask wearing provides the best opportunity to finish the semester without significant interruption.”
Nearly 450 students have been tested so far, but that number is expected to grow to about 200 a day, and to include faculty and staff beginning the week of Sept. 14, Hubeny said. Thus far, a few students have received positive tests and are isolated.
The University unveiled its COVID-19 Testing Data dashboard to be transparent and up-to-date results of testing. The dashboard breaks down daily testing and results as well as cumulative results.
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