In a statement released on Dec. 15, BYU–Hawaii announced BYUH faculty, staff, and students who are on campus are required to take a saliva-based COVID-19 test starting on Dec.17, 2020.
The university’s COVID-19 website stated, “BYU–Hawaii has partnered with Nomi Health to provide a saliva-based PCR testing program at no cost to employees and students. To ensure the safety of the campus, weekly participation in testing is required for faculty, staff, and students who will be working or studying on campus or using on-campus resources.”
President John S.K. Kauwe III said, "We are really excited to get this testing program rolled out here at BYU–Hawaii. It is extremely important. Data have demonstrated nationally that there are large numbers of asymptomatic cases that are responsible for community spread.
“Proportionally, college students and young healthy individuals make up a large number of asymptomatic cases. We know that is the case here in Hawaii as well.”
Kauwe went on to say, “This rigorous testing protocol will allow us to run the university maintaining people's jobs and livelihoods, but also safeguard our faculty, staff, students, and the Ko'olauloa community."
The results of the first two days of testing on campus on Dec. 17 and 18 were released by the university on Dec. 21. "Nearly 400 students and employees were tested with only seven positive tests from BYU–Hawaii. This is much higher than we would like to see, but it is lower than the State of Hawaii’s overall positivity rate of 2.8% (as of Dec 18, 2020)," says BYUH's statement on its website.
Damon Kumar, an alumnus from Fiji who graduated in the Winter 2020 semester, said, “Just to be on the safe side, it is great we have testing here on campus. We all want BYUH to be a safe place. It gives me peace of mind.”
Testing process
According to the BYUH COVID-19 website, to take the test, everyone must pre-register, make an appointment and refrain from eating 30 minutes prior to the test. “This helps to lessen any contaminants in the sample you provide,” the BYUH website says.
“Seasider testing will be available beginning Dec. 17, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the McKay Gymnasium (Old Gym) room 110 near the Dance Studio,” the website says. “Test takers have to provide a sample (saliva) at the testing site during their scheduled time period.”
Finau Tupou, a junior from Tonga majoring in political science, said, “I think it is a great prevention action. Since COVID-19 takes time to show symptoms, it is a good way to diagnose earlier. The testing process is easy and less than a minute. I encourage everyone to participate.”
The testing process is easy and less than a minute. I encourage everyone to participate.
Test takers will “receive an email and text the following day with a link to your results. Participants will be required to enter their date of birth to obtain the results,” according to the university's website.
Andino Bima, a junior from Indonesia majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said, “We don't know what is going on with our body even though there are no symptoms. So just to be sure, it is better to get tested constantly. This saliva-based test is much more convenient compared to the other testing methods.”
Bima encouraged his fellow students and others to eat healthy and exercise regularly to boost their immune system. “Try to stay at home as much as possible and don’t forget to wear a mask if you go out.”
In the Dec. 21 university statement on COVID-19 testing, it included this additional information:
Testing is required weekly for all faculty, staff and students who will be working or studying on campus or using on-campus resources.
Testing is provided for BYUH employees and students, as well as PCC employees, but a valid BYUH or PCC ID is required.
Stay home when you have any symptoms of illness.
Avoid large gatherings and practice physical distancing whenever possible.
Wear an appropriate face covering (mask) as directed by BYUH policy.
Read more about the testing process and testing schedule on the Seasider Testing webpage.