Shippensburg University officials temporarily suspended COVID-19 coronavirus testing at the Raider Rapid Results Testing Center (R3 Center).
The decision comes after the Pennsylvania Department of Health suspended testing at the laboratory SU uses.
The testing program is suspended and officials implemented a modified testing protocol until further notice, according to an email from Scott Barton, senior vice president of administration and finance, sent to students on Wednesday.
The performing laboratory for R3 results is ShieldT3 Health in Sunnyvale, California, according to R3 testing documents.
According to the email, the Pennsylvania Department of Health suspended testing at the laboratory that analyzes R3 tests. Officials said the downtime is expected to be minimal, however, the timeline of resuming R3 testing is “fluid.”
While the R3 program is suspended, modified testing protocols were implemented like the “surveillance model” for students living on-campus in residence halls.
Vice President of External Relations and Communications Kim Garris said in an email that 20% of residential students will be randomly selected and mandated for testing.
The surveillance model will also be used for students using the ShipRec, the email from Barton said. Extracurricular groups are following an alternate testing schedule, while faculty and staff testing will be suspended until the R3 program resumes, according to the email.
Etter Health Center will continue to provide tests for symptomatic individuals or those who believe they may have been exposed to the coronavirus.
Officials said the university is working with all of those involved with the R3 testing program to solve the issue, and that students, faculty and staff should remain socially distanced, wear masks and wash hands frequently.
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