Who Can Take Part in the Snowball Study?

The Snowball Study is most interested in finding people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2, also called COVID-19 or the coronavirus, but who don’t know yet that they are infected.

Snowball Study “seeds” are those who are:

  • An adult (18 years or older)
  • A resident of Durham County
  • Diagnosed with COVID-19 and/or test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) infection at a Duke University Health System hospital or clinic
  • Have given their written informed consent to become a study participant.

Once a “seed” has signed a written informed consent and completed a survey, they will then be given 3 to 5 electronic coupons to share with their “peers.” These coupons will enable each peer to get a free rapid coronavirus test either at their home or in a Duke Health coronavirus clinic with an appointment.

Peers who are interested in participating would sign inform consent, complete the same survey as the seeds, and make an appointment for testing that includes a rapid test for coronavirus, a non-rapid lab test for coronavirus and several other respiratory infections including influenza (flu), and a blood test for coronavirus antibodies. Peers who either test positive for coronavirus on a nasal (nose) swab test or are part of an at-risk group or community may also then be given coupon codes to share with their peers.