Statewide testing for the second phase of a collaborative COVID-19 study by the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI and the Indiana State Department of Health begins June 3.

Phase 2 study participants were selected randomly and received a text message, phone call and postcard notifying them of their selection and encouraging them to schedule testing at one of the 32 drive-thru sites in Indiana.

Random-sample testing is a scientific approach that allows researchers to confidently assess how the novel coronavirus has spread in Indiana, without having to test everyone.

As part of the first phase of the study, researchers tested more than 4,600 Hoosiers between April 25 and May 1 for viral infections and antibodies of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Preliminary results indicated a general population prevalence of about 2.8 percent of the state's population.

Drive-thru testing for the second phase of the study will occur June 3 through 7 at 16 fixed locations, 16 mobile sites and three supplemental study locations like Allen County.

Participants will be tested regardless of symptoms and will be asked to provide both nasopharyngeal swabs and blood draws. The nasopharyngeal swabs will be tested for the viral infection, while the blood samples will be tested for antibodies to determine if an individual has been infected in the past. Individual testing results are confidential and will be available to participants on a secure website or via phone call once complete.

Those selected to participate can visit the state department of health's website to register.