RWU starts spring semester with aggressive testing program

BRISTOL, R.I. (AP) — Roger Williams University in Rhode Island is starting the spring semester with a robust coronavirus testing program that requires students to get tested twice per week.

The Bristol school plans on conducting about 2,000 tests per day in the recreation center, school officials told WJAR-TV.

The university had the lowest reported positivity rate during fall for all colleges and universities in Rhode Island, and officials plan on keeping it that way.

“The responsibility of being a college student during a pandemic is something our students have thrived to, and we’re incredibly proud of our students,” school chief of staff Brian Williams told the station.

Testing time slots are built into each student’s schedule. The goal is to make testing a habit, Williams said.

Musiwa Nyambe, a second-year law student, said Sunday the testing is “super easy.”

There’s a 10-15 hour turnaround for results, and if positive the student is isolated in a designated space.

Williams said students are also required to sign a “COVID Compact” reminding them to adhere to campus and state guidance. Failure to comply could result in removal from campus, he said.

 

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