UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s COVID-19 dashboard has been updated to show the results of University-provided coronavirus testing at all campus locations through March 25. Over the last seven days at University Park, 6,755 total tests have been administered, resulting in 264 positive cases, for a total seven-day positivity rate of 3.9%. This includes 253 student positive results from 6,005 student tests performed (4.2% positivity rate) and 11 employee positives from 750 employee tests (1.5% positivity rate).
Testing at all other Penn State campuses over the last seven days has resulted in 14 total positive results (11 students and three employees) out of 1,006 total tests administered (803 student tests and 203 employee tests).
With the increase in positive cases at University Park and in the local community in recent weeks, Penn State President Eric Barron joined local State College area leaders today (March 26) in calling on students and local residents to remain vigilant and not become lax with the public health guidelines that are in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. All community members are urged to redouble their efforts in wearing face masks when required on campus and in the local community, avoiding large gatherings, and practicing physical distancing.
As a result of the growing positivity rate, Penn State has implemented supplementary testing for students at eight University Park residence halls and at an off-campus apartment building in downtown State College. Any student at University Park who has recently traveled, interacted with individuals outside of their “pod,” or believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 is encouraged to take advantage of free walk-up coronavirus testing on campus. Walk-up testing for asymptomatic students is available at Pegula Ice Arena and the Hintz Family Alumni Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should continue to schedule testing appointments with University Health Services.
When a positive case is identified, Penn State moves quickly to conduct contact tracing to identify close contacts, and impacted students are placed in isolation or quarantine to limit further spread of the virus. At University Park, there are currently 230 students in on-campus quarantine and isolation housing, representing 58% of the total 400-room quarantine and isolation capacity at Eastview Terrace. There are currently two students in quarantine and isolation housing at all other Penn State campuses.
For detailed updates and information about the University’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, visit Penn State’s official virus information website.