The University of Idaho’s unusual decision to stop providing on-campus COVID-19 testing has left the campus population more vulnerable than ever. Now, it is extremely difficult to not only find testing, but to receive test results, causing both students and faculty to have to find sources elsewhere.
UI’s undergraduate student body is roughly that of 9,000 students- students that are now competing with Moscow residents for COVID resources.
The testing resources that they have been able to find are slim. Gritman Medical Center is only allowing COVID-19 tests to those who have received assessments from primary care providers first. This leaves asymptomatic patients and those who have had secondhand exposure to the virus in the dust, leaving the difficult decision as whether to pay for an appointment. Not to mention, it is almost getting to the middle of flu season, and many people’s symptoms could be dismissed as other causes.
Walgreens, Rite Aid and Syd’s Pharmacy have advertised drive thru testing but have been extremely overbooked and are often unable to find appointments for patients. When using their portal, Moscow’s Walgreens and Rite Aid have been unable to book tests, recommending patients drive to Spokane, Lewiston or Coeur d’Alene. Not only are these out of the way, but a good percentage of the student population, especially undergraduates, do not have access to vehicles.
Lately, brands such as BinaxNOW and QuickVue have been distributing take home COVID-19 tests at locations such as Walmart, Rite Aid and Walgreens. While this is helpful for quick tests, many stores in Moscow have been sold out on their websites, creating another lack in testing resources. Once again, this can most likely be attributed to Moscow’s population having limited access to testing, creating a competition out of who can receive the tests and who cannot.
Having on-campus COVID-19 testing is a great way for the university population to stay safe, as well as another way to protect the Moscow community as a whole. ASUI has recently created a petition urging the university to bring back on-campus testing.
Their change.org petition stated, “Students, faculty and staff have a right to know whether or not they are carrying the virus and spreading it to other students. Accessible and affordable COVID-19 testing is essential in stopping the spread (of the virus).”
Their concern is completely justified, and more students should jump on board and sign, for this is an issue that directly affects them all.
Whether you are unsure about whether your sickness is COVID-19 or not, have had exposure from someone COVID-19 positive or would just like to be cautious, having affordable and easily accessible testing is a way to keep UI safe. Although the vaccine incentives have been helpful, the greatest step that UI can do to stop the spread of the virus is to offer people the resources to know whether they are carrying it.
Frankly put, most students cannot and will not put in effort to drive out of town, book multiple tests and find a primary care provider just so they can get tested. Hosting a reliable, effective and cheap clinic on school grounds will encourage more students to go get tested if they suspect they could be carrying COVID-19. It will also allow Moscow residents to have testing availability that would not be competing with a large population of non-residents.
Protect our community, sign ASUI’s petition and join the fight to urge our university’s leadership to bring back the key element that will allow us to stop the virus’s spread.
- Editorial Board