Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a letter sent Monday to students, faculty and staff. 

The announcement from the chancellor comes with the news that SU will become a testing center in Syracuse as part of a larger state effort to identify cases in the communities as positivity rates climb following the holidays.

"We are taking this action because COVID continues to spread rapidly across the country and right here in Central New York. The science tells us that although omicron appears to be a milder variant, it is highly transmissible," said Syverud in the letter. "Like millions of Americans, I know this firsthand as I tested positive for COVID over the weekend. I have been vaccinated and received a booster shot, and am fortunate that my symptoms are mild."

The university's Stadium Testing Center will open Tuesday, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday until Jan. 14. The testing saliva-based PCR testing is only available to asymptomatic patients. 

“From a logistics perspective it is a sensible place for us to set up the testing center,” said Syracuse University’s Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Dr. Mike Haynie.

“And for the period of time that our students are not on campus leading up to the start of spring break, make that capability available to members of the Central New York community,” Haynie also said.

Three lots are available for parking: Raynor Avenue Lot, Irving Garage, and Quad One for handicapped parking. The trolley will run on continuous loops in the case that there are so many people needing to be transported from different lots. Those seeking testing should enter the dome through Gate N.

The PCR testing is not medically diagnostic. SU will send the results via email.

“It will either confirm a negative status or it will indicate that you tested positive on our surveillance test and we recommend that you confirm that positive result with a medical diagnostic test provided by a healthcare provider,” said Dr. Haynie.

New York state has sent National Guard members to help with staffing at the testing center.