TAMPA, Fla. —The University of South Florida will begin randomly testing students, faculty and staff for COVID-19 this week.
According to USF's website, "any individuals returning to campus will be placed in a pool for random COVID-19 testing."
Those randomly selected to be tested, according to USF, will be notified by email and not charged for the tests.
If someone refuses to be tested, they "may be asked to self-isolate and remain off campus for a two-week period," and "may also be subject to disciplinary action."
USF states that those whose COVID-19 test comes back positive will be required to "self-isolate until medically cleared."
The random testing is part of USF's Return-to-Campus plan, which was approved by state leaders, and also an important part of their surveillance strategy.
"Our surveillance strategy also includes identifying possible cases through the required Daily Symptom Checker, as well as environmental sampling of high-touch surfaces in frequently visited areas on our campuses. You may be asked to be tested in response to information learned from either of these surveillance mechanisms. Your cooperation is vitally important to our overall efforts to promote health and safety on our campuses."
To view the FAQs on random testing, click here.
