Today’s test phase (December 22) on campus has shown there is a strong demand for antigen diagnostic tests at the JKU. Many university employees took advantage of the opportunity to be tested for the coronavirus just before the Christmas holidays.

Together with its employees, the JKU wants to continue mastering the coronavirus pandemic in the best way possible and make important future contributions to reducing the number of infections. JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas is spearheading an initiative consisting of the following measures and mandates to fight the pandemic during 2021:

1. Employee monitoring using the "oral rinse test" (PCR test)

2. Internal university testing using the antigen rapid test

3. Distributing FFP2 masks to employees and students

1. With the support of the Faculty of Medicine, beginning December 21, 2020, the JKU is offering all pre-registered employees an opportunity to continually take twice-weekly "oral rinse tests" (PCR tests) with same-day test results both during and after the Christmas break.

2. Together with the support of the Faculty of Medicine and occupational health services, the JKU has set up an on-campus test center in the parking lot north of the Open Innovation Center (OIC) to conduct rapid antigen tests. The JKU has made this testing facility available to university employees during weekdays between 7:00 and 9:00 AM. A trial run took place today. Today alone, over 300 employees - including Rector Meinhard Lukas - took advantage of the opportunity.

3. If needed (i.e. on-site courses with others present, such as laboratory courses, office services, etc.), employees and students can get FFP2 masks free of charge.

JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas remarked: "As this pandemic will be with us for some time, the JKU has set up an internal coronavirus test center. We aim to protect our employees and create a relatively safe work environment on campus by conducting regular testing. We invite all university employees to be tested on a regular basis."

The test center located behind the LIT Open Innovation Center on campus will be available beginning January 11 and all JKU employees can be tested quickly (rapid antigen test) and with little bureaucracy. This program is aimed primarily at university employees who wish to get a rapid test, especially if there are any symptoms (i.e. cough, cold, sore throat, etc.). The test will also be available to those more exposed on campus, particularly in courses and at selected JKU events.

Prof. David Bernhard, head of the Center for Medical Research at JKU's Faculty of Medicine, added: "Antigen tests are now widely used to identify infectious individuals. These test systems are very sensitive. Studies have shown that if the general public is tested regularly, it can actually reduce the spread of Corona SARS-CoV 2. I would like to appeal to everyone in this country to stand together during this crisis and take advantage of the opportunity to get tested in order to support our society and our families."

Whereas the oral rinse tests are carried out anonymously as part of a personal monitoring program, the JKU will submit information to the health authorities in the event that a rapid antigen test comes back positive. In any case, those affected and who test positive are asked to call the 1450 hotline.