Penn State announced on Thursday that just five University Park students have so far produced positive COVID-19 tests through the university’s on-arrival testing program.
Tests were administered to 1,050 of the 4,664 students who moved into on-campus housing between Monday and Wednesday, resulting in a positivity rate of less than one half of one percent.
“We’re encouraged by the numbers we’re seeing thus far in the on-arrival testing results and I’m so pleased with the engagement and cooperation of our students in this process,” Kelly Wolgast, director of the university’s COVID-19 Operations Control Center, said in a statement.
Three employees have also tested positive for the virus in the past seven days out of 106 tests for a positivity rate of 2.8%.
Only students who have not shared their vaccination status with the university or have not tested positive for the virus in the past 90 days were required to complete on-arrival testing. Some fully vaccinated students may have needed to take the test if they did not submit their status before Aug. 9.
Students who tested positive via a rapid test upon arrival could either return home for 10 days or enter on-campus isolation for 10 days. COVID-19-positive individuals were also instructed to take a more accurate PCR test, which can take up to 48 hours to yield results. A negative PCR result would allow them to leave isolation.
Unvaccinated students and employees are required to take COVID-19 tests on a weekly basis this fall. Noncompliance can result in suspension or termination from Penn State.
A recent survey revealed 88% of undergraduate and graduate Penn State respondents are fully vaccinated. However, the survey was voluntary and did not require any proof of vaccination, so there’s likely some self-selection bias.
Move-in continues through Sunday and classes begin on Monday. Final arrival testing data will be published by the university next week.
Centre County’s seven-day average of daily positive COVID-19 cases was 17 as of Thursday.
