NC to provide COVID-19 tests to colleges, universities ahead of Thanksgiving break

NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced this week the state will provide COVID-19 tests to colleges and universities to help boost student testing efforts ahead of the Thanksgiving and holiday breaks.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said it is sending more than 74,000 federally- funded rapid antigen tests to public and private schools as well as historically black colleges and universities.

In addition, NCDHHS is working with local health departments in Guilford, Harnett, New Hanover, Mecklenburg and Pitt counties to host community testing events near school campuses for students who need tests before the end of the semester.

Officials said this program is meant to help test students before they travel home to celebrate the holidays with their families and those who live outside their house.

“Getting COVID-19 tests to college campuses is one way we can prevent more viral spread across the state as students go home,” Cooper said. “However, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance continue to be our strongest weapons against this virus as we approach the winter holidays.”

NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said she encouraged everyone to “plan ahead” and get a COVID-19 test before leaving campus, but even if the test result is negative, it’s not a guarantee.

“Tests represent a moment in time,” Cohen said. "So students and their families should still practice the 3Ws and wear a mask, wash hands often, and keep a distance of 6 feet from others.”

College students head home for holidays, mindful of COVID-19 guidelines

North Carolina is experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 cases across the state, and NCDHHS urged caution when gathering for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations.

This week, Cooper and North Carolina health officials announced restrictions will be tightened around the holidays to prevent further spread of the virus, such as the indoor gathering limit has been reduced from 25 to 10 and the state will remain paused in “Phase 3” until at least Dec. 4.

Officials said limiting travel and gathers with anyone outside your household is the safest way to celebrate the holidays. If you choose to celebrate the holidays with people who do not live in your house, it’s recommended that you get a COVID-19 test three to four days in advance.

NCDHHS also released guidance for students to help them have “safer holiday breaks” amid the pandemic. It includes recommendations for quarantining and isolation, precautions and preventive measures students can take while on holiday break and what steps students can take when they return to campus after the holidays.

Cox Media Group