Dear Campus Community,
We have been informed by our vendor that the PA Department of Health has suspended testing at the laboratory that conducts specimen analysis for the R3 Testing Center. R3 Testing will remain suspended while the vendor works to resolve the issue. The downtime is expected to be minimal, however, the timeline is fluid. We are working diligently with all constituents involved in the R3 Testing process to resolve this matter.
In the meantime, we recognize the importance of testing to our community. We will continue to test, in a modified approach, until the lab is back online. At this time, our modified testing protocols will be implemented to help ensure the continued health and well-being of our campus community.
Modified testing protocols:
Residential Students – Required testing for students living in the residence halls will be temporarily shifted to a Surveillance Model, where a percentage of our residence population will be mandated each week to participate.
Extra-curricular activities – For students participating in extra-curricular activities, those students will have an altered testing cadence which will be communicated to each group in question determined by the duration of this lab issue.
ShipRec – For students utilizing the Recreation Center, we will be implementing a Surveillance Model based on usage, where some students may be asked to test as a representation of the ShipRec user population.
Symptomatic/Asymptomatic – Students who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will continue to use Etter Health Center by making an appointment for COVID-19 testing. Students who believe they may have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 may make an appointment at Etter Health Center, 717-477-1458.
Faculty/Staff – Testing is temporarily suspended until the lab is able to resume processing tests for the Shippensburg University community. The protocol remains the same for faculty and staff who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. They should consult their health care providers.
Questions – Contact the R3 Testing Center at 717-477-7333 or e-mail rapidtest@ship.edu. For COVID-19 policy or procedure questions, please contact the COVID-19 Office at 717-477-1007 or Covid19@ship.edu.
Throughout the academic year, our campus community has done an excellent job following the testing protocol and our continued mitigation efforts have kept our infection rates low.
Students, faculty and staff should continue to practice all mitigation efforts by wearing masks, practicing proper social distancing and washing hands frequently.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, as we work together to have a healthy and productive Spring semester. The well-being of our community remains our priority and we will adhere to this modified testing process until further notice.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Barton
Senior Vice President of
Administration and Finance
