News Flash

For Immediate Release

11/17/2020                        

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

Join us at the Rowan County Health Department for COVID19 testing Monday through Friday from 10 AM - 2 PM

North Carolina Provides COVID-19 Tests to Colleges and Universities Across the State to Support Testing Students Before Thanksgiving

This past week, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the state is providing COVID-19 tests to colleges and universities across North Carolina to help bolster schools’ student testing efforts in advance of Thanksgiving and holiday break.

NCDHHS is sending a total of 74,470 federally-funded rapid antigen tests to public and private colleges and universities across North Carolina, including historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), to test students before they travel home or celebrate the holidays with people who live outside their household. 

 “Getting COVID-19 tests to college campuses is one way we can prevent more viral spread across the state as students go home,” Governor 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.”

“We encourage everyone to plan ahead and get a COVID-19 test before they leave campus or gather with friends and family over the holidays,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, MD. “But even if a test result is negative, it’s not a guarantee. Tests represent a moment in time. 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.” 

North Carolina is experiencing high numbers of COVID-19 cases across the state, and NCDHHS urges caution when gathering for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations.  Limiting travel and gatherings with anyone outside a person’s household is the safest way to celebrate. For those who wish to travel or celebrate the holiday with people who do not live in their household, NCDHHS recommends a COVID-19 test three to four days in advance.

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Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - November 17, 2020 (PDF)