University of Central Florida begins random COVID-19 testing

ORLANDO, Fla. - Students and staff at the University of Central Florida (UCF) will be randomly tested for coronavirus starting Monday.

The university will begin with the school's Greek community because campus leaders believe they have a higher risk of getting infected. About 100 students in Greek organizations will be tested first. 

Officials said that this being done to see how prevalent the virus is on campus and to keep an eye on any possible outbreaks. UCF Student Health Service Vice President Dr. Michael Deichen explained that "by doing this selective testing, it enhances our ability to see what’s happening at UCF and be as proactive as possible and take all the right safe steps."

Students will be notified through their school email when it is their turn to be tested. This will continue throughout the semester for students, faculty, and staff. Anyone who refuses to be tested could face disciplinary action, like a suspension. Those who test positive will have to isolate themselves and answer questions about people they may have exposed.

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One sorority and fraternity, Zeta Tau Alpha and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, were already suspended at UCF two weeks ago after hosting parties. UCF also had to quarantine 79 women at three on-campus Greek houses after 16 women tested positive for COVID-19.

Since then, another two Greek houses on campus have been placed under quarantine. FOX 35 reporter Jessica Albert confirmed on Monday that Kappa Sigman and Tri-delta are now quarantining after three members in those organizations tested positive for the virus.

“Greek life is like a family,” Dr. Deichen said. “Their living quarters are more like a family and thus they are more apt, potentially, to be placed under quarantine when small numbers of cases happen in those houses.”

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