OHIO announces change in asymptomatic COVID-19 testing strategy

Ohio University is shifting its asymptomatic COVID-19 testing program strategy beginning Monday, March 21. Weekly testing will no longer be required for any OHIO community members. The University is moving to an exposure-based testing strategy, rather than a screening-based strategy. 

“With the significantly lower incidence of disease on OHIO campuses, this approach will allow us to most efficiently use our testing resources by focusing on those individuals who are at higher risk of infection due to a potential exposure,” said Dr. Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations. 

Instead of regularly testing all individuals who have not provided proof of COVID-19 vaccination, the University will request that individuals complete asymptomatic tests based on known or potential exposures, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 will receive an email from COVID Operations with instructions on how and where to complete a test.