Purdue announces shift to targeted COVID-19 testing of vaccinated, unvaccinated

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Protect Purdue team recently announced that the university will be shifting from surveillance testing to targeted testing until at least early February.

"Purdue remains committed to being a safe campus by using contact tracing methods, including contact tracers and data analytics, to monitor our campus facilities, including our classrooms and laboratories," a Tuesday release from Purdue said.

"Following the latest guidance of our health care partner, One to One Health, as well as that from the CDC and American College Health Association, we are modifying our routine surveillance testing regime."

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The release goes on to say that Protect Purdue will target surveillance of both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals who have been in identified campus locations where "potential spread of infection is possible and case numbers might be growing."

The release clarifies that individual symptomatic testing will remain the same, regardless of vaccination status.

"If you receive notification that you have been selected for targeted surveillance testing, whether you are vaccinated or not, realize that notification alone does not necessarily mean that you have been exposed or infected," the release said. "Rather, selection means that our track and trace protocols suggest that testing is medically warranted to find out and proactively manage any potential spread.

"Follow the notification’s instructions and schedule an appointment to participate in targeted testing right away, whether you are vaccinated or not."

Protect Purdue also urges those on campus to get vaccinated and boosted, to stay away from others if one is sick and to contact the Protect Purdue Health Center if more pronounced symptoms – fever above 101 degrees, nausea/vomiting or difficulty breathing – are present.

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"Please note that call volume and caseloads are currently high, so it is possible that you may not immediately reach someone," the release said. "Please be patient as the team works through the call logs. In the meantime, it is important to physically distance from others, practice self-care, hydrate and rest."

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mtroup@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: COVID-19 in Indiana: Purdue announces shift to targeted testing