UNC Charlotte will require COVID-19 boosters or regular testing for all staff, students

CHARLOTTE — The University of North Carolina at Charlotte announced it’s requiring anyone without a COVID-19 booster shot to participate in regular testing to mitigate the virus’ spread.

A notice was sent to the UNC Charlotte community on Friday that said starting Jan. 4, vaccinated staff and students who are eligible for a booster but haven’t received one yet, must be tested for COVID-19 when they return to campus and continue to be tested until they receive a booster shot.

Unvaccinated students and employees will continue to be required to participate in testing when they return to campus and throughout the semester, just as they did in the fall.

People are eligible for boosters six months after their second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

According to the university, UNC Charlotte community members who are not boosted must be tested before they can return to the dorms, class or work.

Testing must occur on campus between Jan. 4 and Jan. 14, the school said.

The update to the school’s policy came as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across North Carolina and the country. The omicron variant of the virus is also rapidly spreading and is now the dominant variant in the U.S.

The school is asking those who have received their booster to submit documentation as soon as possible to be removed from the pool of people required to test.

This is a developing story. Check back at wsoctv.com for updates.

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