ISU to implement mandatory COVID screening for on-campus spring learning
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POCATELLO — Before classes resume in the spring, Idaho State University in Pocatello will be implementing mandatory COVID-19 screenings for anyone with an on-campus presence.
Screenings for students, faculty and staff will be free.
The self-collected, non-invasive saliva-based screening program will focus on asymptomatic cases — those not displaying symptoms. Symptomatic cases will also continue to tracked and tested. Mask or face coverings will continue to be required on campus.
“We are doing everything we can to support the health and safety of our campus community,” University President Kevin Satterlee says in a news release. “This screening program is another tool intended to complement the public health guidelines we established earlier this year, which include physical distancing, face-covering requirements, and increased sanitization practices. This program will support our continued ability to provide on-campus, in-person instruction for our students.”
Screening locations will be set up on campus in Pocatello, as well as the branch campuses in Idaho Falls and Meridian, each featuring both walk-up and drive-through options.
In addition, arrangements will be made for the screening of students, faculty and staff in Twin Falls and Anchorage, Alaska.
The university expects the test-collection process to take less than five minutes, with testing results returned in 24 to 48 hours.
In the case of a positive test, the University COVID-19 Health team will provide self-quarantine instructions. Contact tracing will be conducted and follow-up medical care will be provided as well.
This screening program will be extended, at no cost, to university contractors and affiliates. All contractors, affiliates and campus visitors who plan to use indoor facilities will all be required to participate in screening.
Along with the initial screening, select populations of students, faculty and staff with an on-campus presence will be required to have ongoing screenings throughout the spring semester.