Interim considerations forinstitutions of higher education administrators for SARS-CoV-2 testing

Updated June 30, 2020Note: This document is intended to provide considerations on the appropriate use of testing and does not dictate the determination of payment decisions or insurance coverage of such testing, except as may be otherwise referenced (or prescribed) by another entity or federal or state agency. CDC is a non-regulatory agency; therefore, the information in this document is meant to assist institutes of higher education (IHEs) in making decisions rather than establishing regulatory requirements.As some institutions of higher education (IHEs) open in the United States, CDC offers considerations for ways in which IHEs can help protect students, faculty, and staff and slow the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Testing to diagnose COVID-19 is one component of a comprehensive strategy and should be used in conjunction with promoting behaviors that reduce spread, maintaining healthy environments, maintaining healthy operations, and preparing for when someone gets sick.These CDC considerations are meant to supplement\u2014not replace\u2014any federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which IHEs must comply. Implementation should be guided by what is feasible, practical, and acceptable, as well as tailored to the needs of each community.IHEs vary considerably in geographic location, size, and structure. As such, IHE officials should determine, in collaboration with state and local health officials, whether to implement any testing strategy, and if so, how to best do so.Types of tests to identify SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 -- When testing might be needed -- Testing individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 -- Testing asymptomatic individuals with recent known or suspected exposure to a person with COVID-19 -- Testing asymptomatic individuals without known exposure to a person with COVID-19.Who is this guidance for? -- Why is this guidance being issued? -- What is the role of IHE in responding to COVID-19? -- How should IHE prepare for, and respond to, COVID-19? -- When a confirmed case has been on campus, regardless of community transmission -- When there is no community transmission (preparedness phase) -- When there is minimal to moderate community transmission -- When there is substantial community transmission.2020790