Brief: USD to offer free rapid testing for COVID-19 on campus

USD will be offering free rapid COVID-19 testing in room 212 of the Muenster University Center 5 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Feb. 8.

The BinaxNOW antigen test, paid for by the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), provides results in 15 minutes. Those tested will self-collect nasal swab samples and a technician will interpret the results.

Kevin O’Kelley, the head of USD’s COVID-19 case management team, said in a press release the tests are convenient and quick.

“We are so excited to offer rapid COVID-19 tests on campus,” O’Kelley said. “It will help our community make informed decisions to better #ProtectThePack,” O’Kelley said.

This test is recommended by the DOH as suitable for testing individuals in the USD community. Students, faculty, and staff who test positive will be referred to their healthcare provider for further evaluation. Students who have already tested positive for COVID-19 this school year do not need to be tested again unless they show symptoms or are directed to do so by their healthcare provider.

“Getting tested and isolating if necessary are important actions we all can take to protect our communities,” O’Kelley said.