Penn State’s universal COVID-19 testing process began on Monday, February 15, at the White Building.

The new initiative comes as an effort to prevent the spread of the virus and to isolate cases quickly with the start of in-person classes.

The process applies to all students who are enrolled in in-person classes or are learning remotely while living in Centre County or within a 20-mile radius of Penn State’s campus.

On Tuesday night, amid the freezing rain and 20-degree temperatures, the line to get tested wrapped around the HUB Parking Deck.

Once students arrive at the White Building’s entrance, they scan a QR code to access the Vault Health website, which allows them to register for their test and get a barcode at a check-in area inside the door. If your phone isn’t working, don’t fear! The staff has tablets that students can use to check-in and view their results.

Upon receiving their barcode, students proceed to the left to a row of bays where they take their COVID-19 tests.

After dropping their vials off at the team behind the bays, students are instructed to sit in an area adjacent to the bays filled with folding chairs. Then, participants wait 15 to 20 minutes to receive their results via email.

Once students receive their emailed results, they can exit the White Building through the station at the front of the waiting area and are on their way.

Penn State’s universal testing will continue through Friday, February 26. For more information about the testing process, check out our brief guide.

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