On Aug. 11, SUNY system encouraged all campuses to more strongly consider implementing COVID-19 pooled testing as part of return-to-campus plans closer to move-in dates. As a result, SUNY Morrisville will provide students this opportunity within the first few weeks of our return. Details will follow as soon as SUNY Morrisville receives them.
Testing will be free of charge for students (residential and off-campus), and is a non-invasive, self-administered collection process of saliva with a cotton swab. This process employs specimen pooling that allows for more people to be tested quickly using fewer resources. The samples collected are tested in a “pool” or “batch” using one test, rather than testing each individual sample. SUNY Upstate is heading this effort.
If the pool is positive, one or more of the individuals tested in that pool may be infected, and individual testing can follow. Because the samples are pooled, far fewer tests are run overall, meaning fewer testing supplies are used and more tests can be run simultaneously. Importantly, this approach will ensure precious testing reagents and resources continue to be available for testing symptomatic individuals, as well as individuals identified for strategic testing.
We look forward to participating in this effort and sharing more information with you as soon as possible.
Learn more about SUNY Morrisville’s return-to-campus plan by visiting our website.
#MustangsWearMasks
Wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing, wherever possible, are the best way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Students and employees are required to wear face coverings when in all public spaces, and whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Our return-to-campus plan is constantly evolving. We will continue to share updates about life on campus, as more details develop. You can also find more information regarding what to expect during the fall 2020 semester by visiting our Fall 2020 Reopening Plans and Updates homepage.