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KU to require COVID-19 testing for all students, staff, faculty

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — University of Kansas students, staff and faculty will be required to take a COVID-19 test before returning to the Edwards and Lawrence campuses for the fall semester.

“It is my hope that you will view this testing event not only as an opportunity for you as an individual but also about a chance to demonstrate your responsibility to the health of our entire community,” Chancellor Douglas A. Girod said in a letter to the campus community on Wednesday. “If we are to be successful in welcoming more of our population back to campus this fall, all of us will have to do our part. This testing is an important step in the process, and I encourage each of you to take advantage of it."

Girod said a “non-invasive, saliva-based test” will be performed at no charge. Testing will begin later this week for students who will be living in university housing.

Remaining students, staff and faculty at the Lawrence campus must sign up for an appointment at a drive-up testing site.

Those on the Edwards Campus will receive separate testing instructions.

KU Human Resources will be notified if faculty or staff test positive for the virus, while positive results for students will be shared with the university’s student affairs and housing departments, if necessary, as well as the student’s local health department, according to Girod.

Watkins Health Services also will be notified.