LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville will now require coronavirus tests for faculty, staff, and students who have a presence on campus, the university announced via email today. The new policy is effective Monday, Aug. 24.

"We are pivoting from at-will to mandatory testing because we need more comprehensive data to ensure we are controlling any spread on campus, allowing us to continue to offer classes as designed for the duration of fall semester," read the email from university officials.

Even those who have received negative tests in the past two weeks should be tested or re-tested by Friday, Sept. 4. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 are exempt and should not receive another test. In addition, faculty, staff, and students working or taking classes entirely online are not required to be tested.

UofL also announced it has extended its contract with Bluewater Testing Services to offer testing Monday through Friday at the following locations on campus:

• Student Activities Center: 8 a.m. - noon, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• Cardinal Stadium Purple “A” lot (drive-through): 8 a.m. - noon, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Closed Sept. 3 and 4)
• Student Recreation Center: 8 a.m. - noon, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• Abell Administration Building: 7 a.m. - 11 a.m., noon - 4 p.m.

People can register online; however, walk-ins are welcome. Those receiving a test are asked to bring their UofL ID and insurance card to the testing site, but a social security number can be provided if an insurance card isn't available.

"We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication from the members of our campus community that have allowed us to reopen offices and return to in person instruction," said the email. "We thank you in advance for responding quickly to being tested and for your demonstration of our Cardinal Principle of being a Community of Care."