Embry-Riddle Announces Latest Test Results and Current Testing Strategy

Since face-to-face summer classes began in late June, Embry-Riddle has conducted 2,349 Covid-19 tests, which allowed the university to confirm 25 cases across both residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona. The majority of all cases – confirmed through Embry-Riddle’s testing as well as externally conducted tests – have recovered and were cleared to resume normal activities. Only six cases (three on each campus) remain in isolation, under care.

There continues to be no evidence to date of any confirmed transmission of Covid-19 within the university itself. Off-campus transmission has been documented.

Apartment or residence hall parties remain a primary risk and should be avoided at all costs, Embry-Riddle emphasized.

Results from the final round of summer testing were as follows:

Daytona Beach Campus:

• 1,878 individuals tested by Embry-Riddle since June 22
• 22 cases confirmed positive by Embry-Riddle
• 9 other cases confirmed positive through external testing
• 1 previously confirmed case

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 32
Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 29
Total Cases Active/Under Isolation: 3

Prescott Campus:

• 471 individuals tested by Embry-Riddle since June 22
• 3 cases confirmed positive by Embry-Riddle
• 3 other cases confirmed positive through external testing
• 5 previously confirmed cases

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 11
Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 8
Total Cases Active/Under Isolation: 3

Worldwide Campus:

• 1 case confirmed positive through external testing
• 3 previously confirmed cases

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 4
Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 4
Total Cases Active/Under Isolation: 0

Only confirmed (not suspected) cases are reported. All confirmed cases are fully disclosed to the university community as well as all appropriate health authorities.

Embry-Riddle Further Refines its Testing Strategy

In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, Embry-Riddle has further refined its multi-pronged Covid-19 testing strategy by using several different types of testing. Each approach leverages the experience of our medical professionals in determining who should be tested. Further information on each approach is below.

Screening and Contact Testing focuses on assessing key groups (i.e., Flight, Athletics, ROTC, on-campus, off-campus, and so on) to capture a fair “snapshot” of the university as a whole.

These diagnostic tests, approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), are based on nasal and/or throat swabs and offered in partnership with area healthcare providers. The tests identify anyone currently infected by SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19. This testing will take place on Thursdays on both residential campuses throughout the fall 2020 semester.

• If you are selected for screening and contact testing, you will receive direct e-mail notification and you will be required to complete your appointment.
• You may be selected by our medical professionals for multiple types of testing.
• Those who undergo screening and contact testing must remain in quarantine, apart from others, until they receive their test results.

Sentinel Testing focuses on students living in large group setting, where close contact may increase the risk of spread. Our medical professionals will determine groups of individuals who may be at a higher risk due to close contact and will help students self-administer the “Let’s Get Checked” test. This FDA-authorized test kit involves a lower nasal swab. The goal of sentinel testing is to assess a cross-section of the population in the residence halls each week.

• You may be selected for multiple types of testing.
• Those who undergo sentinel testing may go about their business as they await their test results; there is no quarantine requirement.

Rapid Testing is specifically for symptomatic individuals. Embry-Riddle’s healthcare professionals will let you know if your symptoms suggest a need for rapid testing.

How will Embry-Riddle select people for Covid-19 testing?

• To capture a fair snapshot of the university as a whole, students will be chosen for screening and contact testing based on their location, until a meaningful sample of the populations of each program and department are represented in the sample. Students entering their residence halls may be selected at random for sentinel testing until a fair cross-section of all on-campus residents are tested each week. You may be required to take part in screening and contact testing as well as sentinel testing.
• Individuals may also be selected for rapid testing based on an assessment by our health professionals.
• In addition, please note that Embry-Riddle tests all faculty who will be in classrooms, as well as all student-facing staff.

Health Reminders

• If you are sick, have been on a cruise, or if you have been in close contact with someone with Covid-19, do not come onto Embry-Riddle’s campuses.
• In case of difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911.
• Please promptly report any concerning symptoms (i.e., fever, cough or congestion) to the health services or campus safety unit on your campus:

Daytona Beach Health Services       386-226-7917

Daytona Beach Campus Safety       386-226-SAFE (7233)

Prescott Wellness Center                 928-777-6653

Prescott Campus Safety                    928-777-3333

All students are urged to download and use Embry-Riddle’s new EagleGuardian smartphone app. In an emergency, this app allows students to contact Campus Safety with the touch of a button. The app also has a locator feature that will help first responders reach students quickly.

Safety Requirements

• Everyone must have a wellness check every 24 hours before spending time at Embry-Riddle.
• Face coverings are mandatory in all common areas, both indoors and outdoors.
• Physical distancing (six feet apart) is also required at all times.
• Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
• Get your flu shot as early as possible.
• Those selected to undergo mandatory diagnostic Covid-19 testing must self-quarantine if they are instructed to do so. (Self-quarantine is generally not necessary for sentinel testing, as outlined above, but it is required for screening and contact testing as well as rapid testing.)

Please review our Covid-19 information page and Frequently Asked Questions.