Penn To Test All Undergrads For Coronavirus At Least Twice

PHILADELPHIA — The University of Pennsylvania said it will be testing students for coronavirus at least twice a semester.

In an update on its reopening plans Friday, the university said all undergraduate students will be tested at least twice

"Penn will be requiring all undergraduate students who are returning to Philadelphia – regardless of whether they are living on or off-campus – to take a minimum of two COVID tests to participate as a member of the Penn community this fall," the school said in its update.

Any undergrad student who plans to be on Penn's campus must have a negative coronavirus test result 14 days before arriving.

Undergraduate Penn students living in the United States will have a coronavirus test kit sent to their home addresses. The kits are being provided by a third-party testing lab.

Student must verify the address at which they'll be staying for two weeks before coming to school no later than 5 p.m. Sunday.

Anyone who tests positive for the coronavirus should isolate at home for 14 days from their test date, as well as begin classes remotely until they can travel safely to Philadelphia after completing their isolation period.

After students get to campus — including those planning to live in on-campus housing such as college housing or Greek houses — will be tested a second time.

Students living off campus will also be tested and the school said off-campus students should coordinate with roommates and landlords to minimize contact with others.

Any student living in a "hotspot" designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as well as those living internationally, will be subjected to a third test five to seven days after their arrival test. They are also required to isolate for 14 days after arriving to the city.