Princeton University Announces Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton University announced the start of asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for on-campus students and staff, beginning Monday.

In a statement to its community, the university said all students and staff who spend eight hours on campus, and are not experiencing any symptoms, will be required to get tested.

Although Princeton University moved its fall semester online, a large number of undergraduate students were allowed to return to campus due to housing insecurity and other exceptional circumstances.

Students and staff will be tested at least once a week, and the frequency of testing will increase based on community infection rates in Mercer County, or if clusters and cases are reported in dormitories and the community.

Apart from the testing, an online training on safety protocols is also required, and only those approved should be on campus, informed the university.

During the first few weeks of the program, testing will take place at the Princeton University Stadium Concourse. Approved students and staff will be informed via email, notifying them of their testing date and time.

Melissa Marks, director of medical services at the university said the pandemic has made their work and responsibility more complex. “We recognize that the rigor of this program and the commitment of our students, faculty and staff to comply with its requirement, as well as with other public health directives, will be crucial to our ability to protect the health of the university community,” said Marks in a statement released by the university.

All costs related to testing will be paid by the university.