UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State released its preliminary coronavirus testing results for the period of Sept. 25 to Oct. 1 on its COVID-19 dashboard today (Oct. 2). Among students tested at the University Park campus whose test results have been processed, Penn State received 285 positive results from its on-demand testing and 12 positive results from its random testing program.
Tests administered later in the week are still pending results, which can take 48 hours or more and will be included in the dashboard update on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The data for the week of Sept. 18 to 24 has also been updated as additional test results came in and were validated. The dashboard, when updated and posted with new data, is only a snapshot at that one point in time and cannot be considered a final reporting as test results are still pending for the Sept. 25 to Oct. 1 time period.
The dashboard also indicates that 2,040 students at University Park have completed their isolation period and are no longer active cases.
Among employees at University Park, the dashboard indicates two positive random testing results for the period of Sept. 25 to Oct. 1. With the University now offering on-demand testing for employees at University Park, the dashboard now includes these results, which indicate no positives at this time, though half the test results are pending. There are no employee positive cases from University testing on any other campus.
At Penn State Scranton, the dashboard lists 10 new on-demand testing positive results for the week of Sept. 18 to 24, as well as one random testing positive result for the period of Sept. 25 to Oct. 1. The on-demand positive results were contained in an off-campus housing facility. Out of an abundance of caution, campus officials quarantined and tested all students who lived in the building. Results from all of those tests have now been received and validated.
The dashboard indicates the following student testing results at other Commonwealth Campuses for the period of Sept. 25 to Oct. 1:
- Altoona: one on-demand testing positive and one random testing positive
- Behrend (Erie): three on-demand testing positives
- Hershey: one on-demand testing positive
- New Kensington: one random testing positive
All students who test positive are being placed in isolation and, through systematic contact tracing, close contacts of the infected individuals are being identified and must remain in quarantine for 14 days from the last contact with the infected individual.
Students who are concerned about COVID-19 exposure are urged to utilize the University’s health care resources to seek out testing and facilitate contact tracing. Students with health concerns should call the 24/7 Advice Nurse at 814-863-4463. At University Park, students can make appointments with University Health Services by using myUHS or calling the appointment line at 814-863-0774. Commonwealth Campus students should contact their campus’ health care services.
Penn State experts are continuing to track current trends and continuously monitoring local, state and national disease data. The University is working closely with officials from the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Health, as well as local public and private organizations, to carefully monitor the prevalence of coronavirus in Centre County to determine if the virus is moving from the campus community to the local community and, if so, to develop strategies to mitigate such spread.
To continue on-campus learning, work and other activities through the fall semester, it’s vital that students, faculty and staff at all campuses and in adjacent communities do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19 — and support the effort to “Mask Up or Pack Up.” The University urges everyone to continue to wear face masks, practice social distancing and avoid gatherings entirely.
For the latest updates and information on Penn State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, including frequently asked questions and information specific for students, faculty and staff, visit virusinfo.psu.edu.