It's the same at schools like the University of Wisconsin, James Madison University and North Carolina A&T — one of the largest historically black colleges and universities in the country that saw one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 spread among public universities in North Carolina — to name a few. All are utilizing BinaxNOW rapid tests to test their communities.
Since the program started in May 2021, Northwestern has distributed 241,000 tests amongst students, staff, and faculty through both professional use and self-tests. Participants shared that they found the tests easy to use, provided quick results and made testing more accessible.
"I was able to use the BinaxNOW Self Tests I received at Northwestern to quickly and easily test my family after my children had been exposed. Continuing to regularly test myself allowed me to return to work on campus with peace of mind knowing that I wouldn't transmit the virus to others." -- Noel Davis, Northwestern University.
As we continue to make progress in our fight against COVID-19, providing a safe and healthy learning environment for students and faculty is a necessary element of universities return-to-campus plans. With BinaxNOW available for asymptomatic use, access to rapid, frequent testing for universities can help slow the spread of the virus and allow a sense of normalcy back on campus. The testing program at Northwestern proved to provide their community with more confidence as they returned to work and in person learning.
Welcome back students. We're so happy to have you back. It's another moment of immense pride tinged with none of the melancholy. Dropping your kids off at college … and knowing your kids can get back to a more normal college life thanks to testing.
Now, about that new best friend.
This story was originally published on April 21, 2021. It was updated on Dec. 15, 2021. It was again updated on June 15, 2022.