Elon University students, faculty, and staff must have a COVID-19 test before they return this fall.
The test must be completed one to two weeks before arrival on campus, and it needs to be what's called a PCR test; it detects whether someone currently has the virus.
Elon has contracted with its Burlington neighbor, LabCorp, to distribute mailed, at-home test kits and monitor results. Students may also submit a PCR test from another provider.
Jeff Stein is vice president for strategic initiatives and chair of Elon's Ready & Resilient Committee.
“Our goal has been to create the easiest way possible for our 9,000 students, faculty, and staff to get tested in a very short time window, and that would work no matter where they are across the country,” he says.
Testing through the LabCorp system will cost $129 and be billed to the student, who can file for reimbursement with an insurance company. Those with financial challenges may apply for a fee waiver.
Campus members will also participate in random ongoing testing throughout the school year, paid for by the university.
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