The latest COVID-19 milestone achieved by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign? One million saliva-based tests administered on campus.
The development of the saliva-based, rapid-result PCR COVID-19 test proved to be a critical innovation at a University well-known for their world-changing innovations. Through aggressive testing of students, faculty and staff, the University safely opened the Urbana-Champaign campus this fall, keeping positivity rates low and avoiding hospitalizations for all tested. Combined with contact tracing and utilization of the Safer Illinois app, they were able to rapidly identify and contain outbreaks.
Our sincerest congratulations to the SHIELD team, the University of Illinois leadership, and most importantly, the students, faculty, and staff that made the commitment to safety. Champaign County is safer because of your dedication and leadership.