Central Michigan University officials are encouraging the use of the new COVID self-screening app before coming to campus. The app launched in July to help prevent to the spread of COVID-19.
The university says now that students and faculty are back to school, screening should be done daily before people leave their home.
Jennifer Trpkovski is the Medical Director and Head Team Physician at CMU. She said users answer questions about current symptoms and potential exposure to the virus.
"Any ‘yes’ on the screening is followed up by a medical care provider, we’re finding a lot of time yes (responses) are by accident," Trpkovski said. "But anyone that’s marked yes, they’re further screened and visits are set up."
Trpkovski said despite some user-errors the screening tool helps care providers.
She said testing appointments are coordinated if a care provider determines a test needs to be done.
On Aug. 18, the university notified the CMU community self-screening is mandatory. Self screening is not required by the use of the app.
"It’s based on the reliability of the individuals on campus to go ahead and report those," Trpkovski said. "But, as far as the app itself, there’s not a specific punishment so to speak if there isn’t utilization of the app, it’s strongly encouraged that everybody does use it on a daily basis."
There are 54 confirmed cases during the week of Aug. 17 to Aug. 23, according to the university's Fired Up for Fall dashboard.
The symptom tracker mobile app, is available for download, web or by phone call.
- Download the iPhone CMICH Healthscreen app
- Download the Android CMICH Healthscreen app
- Web browser on any device by visiting cmich.edu/healthscreen.
- Phone by calling 989-774-1044.
