"This program fits perfectly into the fall campus plans designed by our COVID Task Force, and testing our students with no required financial outlay is important," said Farmingdale State College President John S. Nader. "Nothing is more critical than ensuring the safety and welfare of our campus community."
Testing by Enzo is a component of Farmingdale's comprehensive COVID-19 response plan, which also includes mandatory face coverings, social distancing, and delivery of classes through a mixture of face-to-face, remote learning, and online instruction.
Executing under Enzo's School and Institution Testing ("SIT") Program, the collaboration will provide the necessary level of safety for students, staff, and faculty at the college.
FSC's Health and Wellness Director Kevin Murphy said, "Students and employees will be given a test prescription through the Health and Wellness Center. There will be several pre-scheduled testing clinics onsite each month at the college. Any campus member who needs to be tested immediately will be prioritized at Enzo's clinical laboratory located near the campus in Farmingdale."
Kara Cannon, Chief Commercial Officer of Enzo said, "Enzo is launching its School and Institution Testing ("SIT") Program to ensure the well-being, security, and compliance at educational and religious institutions. Farmingdale State College is the first to leverage Enzo's expertise to enable these academic institutions to safely forge a course forward in the fall."
As staff return to campus in phases, Enzo will add serological antibody blood testing (IgG) as well. Furthermore, Enzo will be available to provide additional testing including expanded antibody (IgM, IgA) testing.
To promote physical distancing, the College has converted multiple areas for instructional use and built a schedule that limits the numbers of students on campus at any given time. Only one-third of residential rooms will be occupied in the fall and by only one student. A residential hall has been reserved for students who test positive for COVID-19 and require a 14-day quarantine.
Enzo President Barry Weiner commented: "It is my hope that Farmingdale State College will serve as a model for other SUNYs and higher education institutions seeking COVID-19 testing solutions for their students, faculty, and administration. We believe that large-scale testing may help curtail the spread of the disease. Our SIT program has been launched to address concerns from many constituents regarding the opening of schools and religious institutions in the coming weeks and months."
About Enzo Biochem
Enzo Biochem is a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the convergence of clinical laboratories, life sciences and intellectual property through the development of unique diagnostic platform technologies that provide numerous advantages over previous standards. A global company, Enzo Biochem utilizes cross-functional teams to develop and deploy products, systems and services that meet the ever-changing and rapidly growing needs of health care today and into the future. Underpinning Enzo Biochem's products and technologies is a broad and deep intellectual property portfolio, with patent coverage across a number of key enabling technologies.
About Farmingdale State College
As the largest of SUNY's colleges of technology (10,000 students), Farmingdale State
College equips students with the resources and knowledge sought by today's emerging
industries. Offering both bachelor and associate degrees, FSC introduced its first
Master's degree – Technology Management - in 2017. At FSC, students learn in small,
personalized classes and have abundant opportunities for applied learning—internships,
clinical training, and guided research—that provide practical instruction and personal
growth. For more information, go to Farmingdale.edu
