By McKenna Dirks, Community Reporter
UW-Eau Claire has expanded its COVID-19 antigen testing protocol to include students living off campus in an attempt to ensure safety for all its students.
An email from the UW-EC Finance and Administration office said off-campus students are now required to be tested every other week and on-campus students will continue being tested weekly.
Several students living off campus have expressed their opinions about the new testing protocols in recent virtual interviews with CVPost.
Student views
McKenna Puls, a second-year healthcare administration student, said having the antigen testing available to those without symptoms is helpful since some testing sites won’t test anyone who is asymptomatic.
However, she added that although it’s convenient receiving test results quickly, going to campus every other week to be tested isn’t necessary when living off campus. She said she feels that going on campus more than is needed and being exposed to more people is an inconvenience.
Social distancing and wearing a mask are things Puls said she does to keep herself and others safe.
Logan Erickson, a second-year finance student, had a similar experience being an off-campus resident.
“It’s an inconvenience for students off campus, but it won’t be for long,” Erickson said. “If it allows us to have in-person classes, then I can’t complain.”
Erickson said although it’s nearly impossible to force all students to get tested, it’s the students’ due diligence to help keep others safe.
Some students, like Lilia Stearns, a first-year undeclared student, don’t find the required testing to be an inconvenience most days.
Stearns said because she walks to campus every day, getting tested isn’t such a big deal. She said the only time it becomes a problem is when she has to drive to school because parking is scarce, but she added that it’s nice having a reason to get out more.
Doctor’s perspective
Dr. Kim Frodl, the medical director of Student Health Services (SHS), said the new requirement is slightly inconvenient for off-campus students, but it’s important for keeping track of positive cases on campus.
Frodl said SHS believes frequent testing of everyone, including employees and students, should help keep everyone healthy and in class. She said most times, college students don’t show symptoms at all, so the goal is to get them tested during the incubation period before they can spread the virus.
Frodl said last fall’s testing was successful in that there were no large outbreaks on campus and most students were able to continue their in-person classes.
Students who are taking only online classes and who would have difficulty getting to campus have the option to be exempt from testing, Frodl said.
Frodl said the testing site was moved to Zorn Arena from McPhee Physical Education Center and Davies Student Center to make the testing more accessible to off-campus students, knowing some are already on campus in that area. The campus community has done its part wearing masks and social distancing, .she added.
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