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OSU Takes TRACE Testing Project To Redmond

Oregon State University

Oregon State University is taking its program that tests for the prevalence of the coronavirus to Redmond this weekend, Jan. 29, 30 and 31.

  

The TRACE program works like this: Field workers go door-to-door in selected neighborhoods and invite people to take part. It’s voluntary and free, and those who accept the offer will self-administer the test. Researchers use the results to calculate the overall prevalence of the virus in a given community.

 

“Even while we’re preparing for Oregonians to be vaccinated, and many are being vaccinated already, it is still very essential to have a sense of the prevalence of the virus,” said OSU spokesman Steve Clark.

Clark said the goal is to test at least 600 people across Redmond this weekend.

Redmond Mayor George Endicott said in a press release that he is excited for his city to participate.

"At a time when localized information is critical and hard to come by, the data from the university’s efforts will provide one more layer of detail on how prevalent COVID is in Redmond," said Endicott. "The results will be one more variable for us as we seek to balance the economy with health in our advocacy to the state officials.”

 

This is the sixth Oregon city to host the TRACE program since it began last spring. The other cities are Corvallis, Newport, Bend, Eugene and Hermiston. OSU is also employing a version of the TRACE program on its campuses.

 

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
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