Fairmont State University has remained vigilant in the crusade to stop the spread of COVID-19 as the fall semester concludes and has encouraged students and employees to be tested for COVID prior to returning home or traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday. To ensure the safety of the campus community, the University provided a free testing opportunity on Wednesday, November 18.

Tests were offered to students and employees. Those unable to attend on Wednesday were encouraged to explore additional free COVID-19 testing sites within the community and state.

In addition to the free testing opportunity, Fairmont State concluded Phase II of its COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program on Wednesday, November 18. The Surveillance Testing Program is a part of the University’s multi-pronged strategy to mitigate and monitor the spread of COVID-19. Continuing the program through the end of the fall semester has allowed the University to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus by identifying cases in asymptomatic individuals. In addition, this initiative has enabled the University to monitor and address real-time trends and prevalence and make timely decisions on intervention and response.

Due to the increased quantity of tests completed this week, results are still being returned. As results come in, they will continue to be shared on the University’s dashboard, www.fairmontstate.edu/covid19.

The University COVID task force continues to process test results as they are received and actively monitors all cases on campus with the assistance of the Marion County Health Department. As requested, the University continues to work with the Marion County Health Department to complete investigations and contact tracing for positive cases connected with Fairmont State.

To learn more about Fairmont State surveillance testing processes, visit fairmontstate.edu/coronavirus/surveillance-testing-program.