As the University of South Carolina campus prepares to reopen for hybrid classes, mandatory COVID-19 testing will take place. In a few short weeks, all residents living in University Housing this fall will complete a final checklist as well as proof of testing. Clearance will not be allowed without prior information sent to the Student Health Services.
Before students arrive on campus for the first day of classes, they will be required to upload their COVID-19 testing results to the Student Health Center’s portal. This information will tell UofSC whether or not a student has previously been infected by COVID-19, is currently affected, and whether or not the student has antibodies.
On-campus testing became available Wednesday, August 19. In order to test students, faculty, and staff, a saliva-based test will be delivered. This rapid and non-invasive test allows for quick delivering results, making it an ideal choice for the school board. These daily tests will be administered with no limit in an attempt to keep the UofSC community safe.
Alongside testing, face coverings are now required in all closed spaces. Social distancing also remains in place, plus handwashing and sanitizing as well. UofSC is the only SC university to approve saliva testing for diagnostic purposes. If all goes well, it’s likely surrounding colleges will follow suit.
