Members of the Campus Community,
Late last month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a recommendation that all residential colleges and universities in the state regularly test a sample population of asymptomatic members of their campus communities for COVID-19. Following the recommendation, the University of Mount Union began to formalize plans to meet this expectation.
Today, we are reaching out to provide you with an update regarding how Mount Union plans to carry out this testing. Beginning the week of October 26, weekly surveillance testing protocols will begin in partnership with the Alliance Family Medical Center through the use of its mobile testing unit. Each week, the institution will randomly test 3% of its campus community members in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Responsible RestartOhio recommendations.
Those members of the student body, faculty, and staff randomly selected for weekly surveillance testing will be notified by email with follow-up outreach being made via phone as needed. The institution will open weekly testing to those interested in volunteering, and volunteers will count toward the 3% random pool for the week.
Surveillance testing will continue weekly through the end of the fall semester. The institution will be prepared to continue this testing in a similar fashion during the spring semester.
Additional details regarding the institution’s surveillance testing protocols will be shared with the entire campus community next week via email.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation, support, and understanding as we carry out this latest state recommendation and take additional steps to safeguard the entire campus community during this global pandemic. Be well.
