UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State released its preliminary coronavirus testing results for the period of Oct. 2 to 8 on its COVID-19 dashboard today (Oct. 9). Among students tested at the University Park campus whose test results have been processed, Penn State received 278 positive results from its on-demand testing and nine positive results from its random testing program.
Tests administered later in the week are still pending results, which can take 48 hours or more and will be included in the dashboard update on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The data for the week of Sept. 25 to Oct. 1 has also been updated as additional test results came in and were validated. The dashboard, when updated and posted with new data, is only a snapshot at that one point in time and cannot be considered a final reporting as test results are still pending for the Oct. 2 to 8 time period.
The dashboard also indicates that 2,618 students at University Park have completed their isolation period and are no longer active cases.
“As we noted on Tuesday we are continuing to see declines in our positive test results, however, it would be premature to draw conclusions about wider trends. It remains our goal to reduce the virus’ spread through a comprehensive, community-wide effort,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “Testing results are just one of the many pieces of data we’re monitoring to determine our next steps in responding to this pandemic. Our approach is evolving in alignment with what we’re seeing in test results, contact tracing, and quarantine, isolation and hospital capacity, among other statistics and trends. We will continue to adapt our testing strategy, including exploring new options for expanded rapid testing, as we monitor and respond to the virus’ spread on our campuses and in our communities.”
Since the last update on Tuesday (Oct. 6), the dashboard indicates one new positive random testing result among employees for the period of Oct. 2 to 8. There are no new employee positive cases from University testing on any other campus.
The dashboard indicates the following new student testing results at Commonwealth Campuses:
- Abington: two on-demand testing positives for the period of Sept. 4 to 10 and one random testing positive for the period of Oct. 2 to 8
- Altoona: two on-demand testing positives for the period of Sept. 11 to 17, one on-demand testing positive for the period of Sept. 18 to 24, on random testing positive for the period of Sept. 25 to Oct 1, and eight on-demand testing positives for the period of Oct. 2 to 8
- Fayette: one random testing positive for the period of Oct. 2 to 8
- Harrisburg: one random testing positive for the period of Oct. 2 to 8
- Schuylkill: one random testing positive for the period of Oct. 2 to 8
All students who test positive are being placed in isolation and, through systematic University contact tracing, close contacts of the infected individuals are being identified and must remain in quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the infected individual.
Students who are concerned about COVID-19 exposure are urged to utilize the University’s health care resources to seek out testing and facilitate contact tracing. Students with health concerns should call the 24/7 Advice Nurse at 814-863-4463. At University Park, students can make appointments with University Health Services by using myUHS or calling the appointment line at 814-863-0774. Commonwealth Campus students should contact their campus’ health care services.
Penn State experts are continuing to track current trends and continuously monitoring local, state and national disease data. The University is working closely with officials from the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Health, as well as local public and private organizations, to carefully monitor the prevalence of coronavirus in Centre County to determine if the virus is moving from the campus community to the local community and, if so, to develop strategies to mitigate such spread.
To continue on-campus learning, work and other activities through the fall semester, it’s vital that students, faculty and staff at all campuses and in adjacent communities do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19 — and support the effort to “Mask Up or Pack Up.” The University urges everyone to continue to wear face masks, practice social distancing and avoid gatherings entirely.
For the latest updates and information on Penn State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, including frequently asked questions and information specific for students, faculty and staff, visit virusinfo.psu.edu.