11/20: COVID-19 dashboard updated as in-person portion of fall semester ends

On-demand testing numbers include latest results of voluntary student departure testing
The Pennsylvania State University seal in back of the HUB

The Pennsylvania State University seal is inscribed on a pillar in back of the HUB-Robeson Center on the University Park campus. 

Credit: Chris Koleno

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State released preliminary coronavirus testing results for the period of Nov. 13 to 19 on its COVID-19 dashboard today (Nov. 20). The University Park campus received 164 positive on-demand test results and two positive random test results from student testing during the period of Nov. 13 to 19.

As of Nov. 19 at University Park, there are 318 active student cases, up from 273 at the last update on Nov. 17, and 4,269 students have completed their isolation period and are no longer active cases.

The University’s on-demand testing numbers include the results of student departure testing, which concluded Nov. 19 at University Park. Since Nov. 12, 13,101 University Park students have completed departure testing, with 165 positive results received thus far. University-wide, 15,600 student departure tests have been conducted, with 236 positive results to date. Tests administered later in the week are still pending results, which can take 48 hours or more and will be included in the dashboard update on Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Among employees at University Park, there are no new positive cases from University testing.

The data for the week of Nov. 6 to 12 also has been updated as additional test results came in and were validated. The dashboard, when updated and posted with new data, is only a snapshot at that one point in time and cannot be considered a final reporting as test results are still pending for the Nov. 13 to 19 time period.

University Park On-Demand and Random Student Testing Positive Results by Week:

University Park On-Demand and Random Student Testing Positive Results by Week 11 20 20
Credit: Penn State

Commonwealth Campus test results 

Since the last update on Tuesday (Nov. 17), the dashboard indicates the following new student testing results at Penn State campuses: 

  • Abington: seven on-demand testing positives and one random testing positive for the period of Nov. 13 to 19  
  • Altoona: 17 on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 13 to 19
  • Beaver: two on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 13 to 19
  • Behrend (Erie): one random testing positive for the period of Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, six on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 6 to 12, and 38 on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 13 to 19  
  • Berks: two on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 13 to 19
  • Brandywine: one on-demand testing positive for the period of Nov. 6 to 12, and one on-demand testing positive for the period of Nov. 13 to 19
  • DuBois: two on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 6 to 12, and two on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 13 to 19
  • Harrisburg: 13 on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 13 to 19
  • Hershey: three on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 13 to 19
  • Lehigh Valley: two on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 13 to 19
  • Schuylkill: one on-demand testing positive for the period of Nov. 13 to 19

"The available Return Home testing for all students revealed higher numbers of positive results for three of our campuses that have resident students and demonstrated the importance of conducting this testing prior to departure for the semester,” said Kelly Wolgast, director of Penn State’s COVID-19 Operations Control Center. “We are contact tracing all of these students so that they and their close contacts can properly isolate or quarantine as needed for the recommended time."

Among employees, Penn State Behrend (Erie) had three on-demand testing positives for the period of Nov. 6 to 12. No other campus locations reported positive employee tests for the current update.

Students who are concerned about COVID-19 exposure or who are experiencing symptoms are urged to utilize the University’s health care resources to seek out testing and facilitate contact tracing. At University Park, students can make appointments with University Health Services by using myUHS online. Other UHS COVID-19 related services can be located on the UHS website at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health. Commonwealth Campus students should contact their campus’ health care services. Those with questions about all other COVID-19 topics should call the Penn State COVID-19 Response Center at 814-865-2121.

For the latest updates and information on Penn State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, including frequently asked questions and information specific for students, faculty and staff, visit virusinfo.psu.edu.