NIU is helping to develop a new COVID-19 test that is shaping up to be cheaper, faster and far less invasive than many methods being used right now. This new test, a simple oral rinse, will be available as an optional second test at the free, drive thru COVID-19 pop up testing site taking place at NIU’s Anderson Hall parking lot from Monday, Nov. 16, through Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Learn more about this new test below.
To help protect your home community as well as NIU’s, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the DeKalb County Health Department and NIU are partnering to offer free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing from Monday, Nov. 16, through Wednesday, Nov. 18, for any students, faculty, staff members or DeKalb County residents who want to be tested prior to Thanksgiving.
Nasal swab testing will be available each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Anderson Hall parking lot, and results will be available in four to seven days.
After taking the test, a second COVID-19 test that’s currently in research development will be offered. Under the leadership of Elizabeth Gaillard, director of NIU’s Molecular Analysis Core (MAC) Facility and professor of chemistry and biochemistry, NIU is working to help develop the test. Participation in the second test, a non-invasive simple oral rinse, is optional but important. Those who participate in the second test will be asked to complete a consent form and provide basic demographic information.
Volunteer staff are also needed to facilitate the second test.
Learn more at go.niu.edu/drive-thru-research