Rutgers University COVID-19 Testing Strategy Update and Criteria

Rutgers University COVID-19 Testing Strategy Update Vicente Gracias, MD, FACS, FCCP, FCCM Senior Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs, RBHS Vice President for Health Affairs, RU President and Chair of the Board, RHG

The 4 Ts of Battling COVID-19 Target Test Treat Trace 2

Rutgers COVID-19 On-Campus Testing Testing Protocol Action Group (TPAG) formed to advise on testing, identify asymptomatic groups at higher risk, and target student/employee groups for testing consideration. SARS-CoV-2 PCR saliva testing offered to specified groups of employees and students who are working and learning on campus. Targeted testing approach based on the risk of transmission - approved for groups deemed at higher risk for transmission. Rutgers current ideal standard for initial clearance is 2 PCR tests, 1- 3 weeks apart. Antibody testing is not part of this protocol and not accepted for clearance. For more on RU testing strategy, including detailed FAQs: https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/on-campus-testing/ 3

Testing Criteria and Decision-Making Risk Assessment Criteria Including But Not Limited To: Is the requested group able to maintain physical distancing while completing activities on campus? Is the requested group working and/or learning in a patient care environment? Does the requested group reside in a congregate living environment (e.g., residence halls)? Is the requested group working and/or learning in an environment where they may expose individuals from another group who are at risk for severe illness (i.e., a vulnerable population)? Are there other factors that may increase the requested group s risk based on the evolving science and public health data? Informed by CDC and NJDOH guidance Cohort testing request requires Chancellor/SLT signature 4

Risk Assessments to Determine Need for Repeat Testing Have background rates of the disease in the community increased? Is this cohort at a significant risk of repeated exposure and transmission? Have individual or cohort exposure risks increased based on personal history or work environment? Is there a risk of spread of disease to a population at high-risk for severe illness? What is the expected frequency the requested group will be on campus or in a patient care environment? 5

From President Holloways Monthly Update (11/13 email) In making these preparations, the university recognizes the essential role that testing must play in keeping us safe. Testing does not protect the person who is being tested but if we continue to test regularly, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidentally infecting other people in our community. For spring semester, although many will be learning and working remotely, we will require that all students and employees who are regularly scheduled to be physically present on campus undergo COVID-19 virus testing once a week. You will hear more details in regard to these requirements in the weeks to come. We will also implement rapid antigen testing as soon as it becomes available and can be incorporated appropriately. A regular and rigorous testing regimen will enable us to safely expand the number of people and activities on our campuses and help us move closer to a more conventional, in-person Rutgers experience for our students, faculty, and staff. 6

Testing Dashboard and Weekly Communication Weekly email sent to RU: 7 https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/health-and-safety/testing-program-dashboard/

Weekly Proportion Positivity https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/health-and-safety/testing-program-dashboard/ 8