OSU study uses door-to-door testing to look at spread of COVID-19

A study led by OSU and Benton County is using door-to-door testing in order to paint a more complete picture of how far coronavirus has spread in the Corvallis community.

At oregon state university are trying to paint a picture of coronavirus spread in corvallis-- by testing those who are symptomatic and those who are not.

Kezi 9 news reporter chris lueneburg has details.

Bill cohstaed says knowledge is power-- especially during a pandemic.

"i would like any data about me individually i can get my hands on.

And getting a test is a rare chance.

"i would agree in a hot minute.

I don't care who the tester is or what it is, as long as they feel is safe and they want me to do something i agree is safe, i would love to be tested."

Osu's trace-covid-19 study hopes to extend that knowledge to the whole corvallis community "here's what we know now- testing numbers we get from public health officials largely represent symptomatic patients... but researchers say a representative sample including people who don't have symptoms will pay dividends down the line."

T the study will test 960 people-- in random homes selected in random neighborhoods-- with social distancing in mind-- those who consent will take their own nasal swab test-- which researchers say is pretty simple.

A newly-approved method with different supplies that won't limit availability for healthcare.

"the testing situation is dynamic, more options are opening up.

That's part of what makes this study possible."

Individuals and benton county health will be alerted if they test positive-- but personal info will stay private for the study.

A critical tool for public health officials.

"looking forward to the fall, and trying to udnerstand if there's going to be another epidemic wave, people who have been infected at the population is going to be critial.

Pairing that with a bettter understanding of how immunity works."

Researchers hope this study can serve as an example for other institutions across the nation--- a welcome idea to many "i would love to find out if i've had it or haven't had it."

In corvallis chris