In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a concern about shortages of COVID-19 tests within the Athens community, according to a previous Post report.
Jack Pepper, administrator at the Athens City-County Health Department, told The Post in September 2021 that “it is important that we carefully evaluate where we put priority when it comes to testing.”
Ohio University is trying to ensure it has enough financially accessible tests for students, faculty and staff. OU currently has different testing options available on campus, such as rapid testing conducted through CVS and spit testing through Vault Health that produces results in 48 to 72 hours.
“The CVS and Vault Health tests are intended only for individuals who are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19,” Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said in an email.
Jameson Harvey, a freshman studying early childhood education, said she is unaware of where to access free COVID-19 tests through pharmacies. Harvey said the only COVID-19 testing site she knows of is Shively Hall.
Further, she said she does not believe the university has provided enough information to students on how to get free tests.
In a Nov. 9 university news release, OU announced all students living in residence halls would be required to take an at-home test before returning in the spring. Harvey said she thinks OU should provide more opportunities for free testing, such as rapid tests that are available for pickup when needed. At regional campuses, Leatherwood said students, faculty and staff can pick up at-home Vault tests that are proctored via Zoom and shipped to a lab.
“I know of many students who would like access to more testing,” Harvey said in an email.
Leatherwood said the probability of regularly having at-home rapid test kits for students would not be likely due to a shortage of tests. Since there is an influx of students, faculty and staff frequently completing COVID-19 tests, it is more efficient for tests to be proctored and handled accordingly.
Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the government is providing four free at-home antigen tests upon request.
“Antigen tests are less accurate than the options offered by the university but can be helpful to have on hand,” Leatherwood said in an email.
On Jan. 9, OU President Hugh Sherman announced a new protocol for specific students to schedule a weekly asymptomatic test at Shively Hall. Harvey reported difficulty for students to fit testing at East Green into their schedules.
The testing policy also states that students involved in sororities and fraternities must complete weekly testing regardless of vaccination status. It may be even more out of the way for these students to get tested, Harvey said.
Students who may be experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms can seek out OhioHealth Campus Care, OU’s urgent and primary care office. Keely Stockwell, an OhioHealth spokesperson, said if students do not have insurance, they will get a bill for coming to the office.
“OhioHealth Campus Care is busy but is well-staffed for the surge,” Stockwell said in an email. “The high vaccination rate among OU students has tempered the number and the severity of the COVID-19 cases they are seeing.”
