Short Wave The Tricky Business Of Coronavirus Testing On College Campuses
Oct 16, 2020
Elissa Nadworny, an NPR Education Reporter, shares her insights from a cross-country road trip observing how colleges manage coronavirus testing. She highlights the University of Illinois' approach, showcasing its mass testing strategy to combat the virus. However, she reveals the challenges faced, particularly student behavior and non-compliance during social gatherings. Elissa discusses the effectiveness of testing protocols and the crucial need for behavioral change to curb the spread of COVID-19 within campus communities.
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Contrasting College Experiences
- Elissa Nadworny visited colleges and observed differing approaches to COVID-19 testing.
- At the University of Georgia, students were moving in, while at UNC Chapel Hill, outbreaks led to campus closures and student move-outs.
The Importance of Frequent Testing
- Most colleges test students only when they show symptoms or suspect exposure.
- However, research by David Paltiel suggests frequent testing is crucial for containing outbreaks.
Illinois' Testing Strategy
- The University of Illinois implemented widespread saliva testing, with numerous testing centers across campus.
- Students need negative results to access buildings and classes, making testing part of daily life.