Rowan University Prepared For Robust Coronavirus Testing

Students and staff at Rowan University made it through the fall semester amid the coronavirus pandemic, but university officials are reminding everyone to remain vigilant to prevent the spread of the disease.

The university will also embark on a robust testing plan for 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate both locally and nationally.

“Last summer we came together as a University community and committed to offering safe options for learning, working and living at Rowan for the fall semester,” Provost Tony Lowman, Dean of Students Kevin S. Koett and Wellness Center Director Scott Woodside said in a joint statement. “Students and employees showed flexibility and creativity in getting back to campus and taking advantage of online and hybrid choices. We adapted to COVID-19 health and safety protocols and state mandates. We made the best of challenging circumstances.”

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They also acknowledged they haven’t escaped the virus’ reach, and sometimes need reminders about following guidelines, but students and staff have adapted to the coronavirus “very well.”

“Rowan’s cautious plan offered a path forward through so much uncertainty. Thanks to our community’s commitment to care for each other, Rowan earned accolades from national and local health and safety experts,” they said. “With public health officials predicting higher rates of infections across the country this winter, we will continue to use data and national best practices to shape our approach to protecting our community as we look forward to spring semester. Testing for COVID-19 is critical to our efforts.”

The following is some of what they shared on their website about testing:

Baseline testing for all students participating in in-person educational and residential activities

Every student who will participate in face-to-face or hybrid instruction and those who choose to live on campus will receive a PCR/nasal swab test kit in the mail during the winter break. Students are required to mail their completed kits for analysis and receive results before returning to Rowan.

Wastewater testing

Testing the cumulative wastewater of a building is an efficient way to check for the presence of the virus among a group of people, particularly on college campuses. Rowan will start wastewater testing at all of its residential facilities in early January. If coronavirus is found, residents of the building tested will be required to take a rapid antigen/saliva test to identify infected students. Students who test positive through the rapid test will be required to take the more reliable PCR/nasal swab test to verify findings. Those students will be moved to Triad Hall for the balance of their isolation period, up to 10 days, where they will have support from the University.

Community health through voluntary testing

All students and employees will be eligible to participate in Rowan’s Asymptomatic Saliva Testing Program. The Wellness Center will administer up to 250 saliva tests each week at a walk-through clinic (pre-registration required). Volunteers’ test results will provide important information about the presence of virus on and around Rowan campuses and in the community.

Special populations and targeted testing

Rowan will implement rapid antigen/saliva tests or PCR/nasal swab tests with certain groups if the need arises (e.g., contacts or groups of contacts). Screening methods will be determined based on public health recommendations.

Athletes, Performing Arts and high-contact programs

Student-athletes will continue to follow NCAA guidelines. If student-athletes do not participate in competition but engage in in-person athletic activities, Rowan will institute regular screening protocols for them.

The University will also implement a regular screening program for Performing Arts students who participate in in-person activities, including theater, dance and musical performances and instructional activities. Students in high-contact conditions (e.g., clinical internships, athletic training programs and physical education courses) also will have to adhere to a testing schedule.

Symptomatic testing

Rowan will continue to offer daily PCR/nasal swab testing to symptomatic students at its Hollybush Testing Clinic. Students who participate in symptomatic testing must quarantine or self-isolate as directed by the Wellness Center.

“We are proud of what we all accomplished during the last several months,” they said. “We’re prepared to use data to continue fighting the pandemic together, especially on behalf of the most vulnerable. We are committed to help the Rowan community continue to learn and serve through each day ahead.”