Duke students who live on campus will have to test for COVID-19

As soon as students arrive on campus, they’ll be greeted with a COVID-19 test and a self-monitoring app.

With that return scheduled to happen in just over three weeks, some students are still questioning how safe they’ll be, even with these precautions in place.

As Kyra Lewis prepares for her second year at Duke, she knows she may never get to hang out in close-contact with friends on campus again.

“I can’t fathom what it’s going to be like on campus, seeing everyone in masks. Not being able to interact with people," said Lewis.

She’s preparing to head back to Durham from her home in Houston, Texas, but said there is still a lot of uncertainty.

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“It’s still up in the air of where we’re living, where our stuff is going, because they packed up my stuff personally and have it in a storage container," said Lewis.

According to the university, students can sign up for time slots during the move-in period, beginning August 7th, with only a certain number allowed during each time period. They will receive masks and a thermometer, and they’ll have to self isolate in their rooms until test results are in.

“I’m getting in at 7:30 because I already bought my (plane) ticket. So, if I can’t go to Penn Pavilion to get tested at that time, if they close up shop, then where do I stay that night?”

As the university continues to iron out the details for Fall, students like Lewis want more concrete plans from Duke.

“I’m just trying to take it day by day, but it’s hard to take it day by day when it’s around the corner," Lewis added.

Students will receive test results within 48 hours. If a student does test positive upon their arrival, they will get relocated to a quarantine zone on East campus.

The university has also prohibited overnight visitors during move-in week and throughout the fall semester. Students are strongly encouraged to bring only necessary items needed for the fall term.