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Fall 2020 Data

This dashboard shows only data for the tests conducted by the COVID Response Unit at the University Testing Center during the fall of 2020.

There are two types of testing procedures conducted by the University Testing Center. 

  • Surveillance testing involves testing a random selection of people from across campus to identify asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals and help avert potential outbreaks before they occur. (Note: This includes surveillance testing of student-athletes.)  Surveillance testing data includes both nasal swab and saliva tests.
  • Diagnostic testing involves testing those who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Of the two types of testing procedures, there are three ways in which tests are administered.

  • Nasal swab test - This test must be sent off-campus for analysis with results typically returned in 1-2 days.
  • Antigen test - Also a nasal swab test, but analyzed on campus and results returned within 30 minutes.
  • Saliva-based test - Analyzed on campus with results available within 24 hours.

Trend line

  • 7 Day Moving Average - A moving average uses the average of the prior seven days to plot a point (e.g., adding up the last 7 days of positive cases and dividing by 7).  
    • Why use it: We retroactively allocate positive test results to the date the test is administered. This allows for better analysis of infection rates over time by smoothing out the daily variability of the data and giving a more accurate picture of positive case trends.
  • Running Total is the sum of all positive cases to date. 
  • Percent Positive the total number of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 divided by those who have been tested (both saliva and nasal test), also referred to as the positivity rate. 

Active and Recovered

  • An active case is an individual who has tested positive and is in isolation. The University relies on guidance from the CDC to determine when these individuals can safely return to class or work. 
  • A recovered case means an individual once tested positive for COVID-19, but has met the criteria for returning to class or work.

For Indiana State and St. Joseph County Information, please see the Indiana COVID-19 Dashboard: coronavirus.in.gov

Pre-matriculation Testing Results

As part of our health and safety guidelines for returning to campus, all enrolled Notre Dame undergraduate and graduate students were required to undergo pre-matriculation testing. The University partnered with LabCorp, a leading national provider of tests and lab services, to distribute tests to students. University Health Services (UHS) received students’ test results.

  • A total of 11,836 tests yielded
  • 33 positive cases (.28%)

Please note that a small number of laboratory results were still pending as of 8/10/20. Students who tested positive or whose tests are pending were required to stay home and away from campus until cleared by a UHS provider.

What happens when someone tests positive for COVID-19?

When a member of the campus community tests positive for COVID-19, they enter into the University’s Quarantine and Isolation protocol. Also, the University’s COVID Response Unit initiates a Contact Tracing program.