COVID19 Update – January 25, 2022

Dear FSU Community,

I hope your semester is off to a great start. We know it is not ideal to have to launch classes in a remote format, but we believe it is a prudent decision given the current environment with COVID-19. I appreciate your patience and understanding.

The University is seeing a positive test rate of about 6%, which I know may seem high to many of you, but when you consider that the state's overall positive test rate is at 11%, it's actually a low percentage during the omicron surge, which is beginning to wane.

Please read this e-mail carefully for our latest updates:

  • Remote classes will continue through this week with a plan to transition to in-person classes on Monday, Jan. 31st. There is lots of space available on campus in open classrooms or in the library for individuals who need spaces outside of their rooms/homes in order to participate in remote learning.
  • Restrictions on the Fitness Center & Game room will remain in place until classes resume in person next Monday. Fitness equipment outside of the Fitness Center room are available for use.
  • We ask for your continued vigilance in proper mask wearing which entails covering both the mouth and nose – masks remain one of our best defenses against COVID, in addition to the vaccines.
  • Speaking of vaccines – you need to upload your booster information into Medicat if you have already received it. Everyone must get a booster shot within 30 days of becoming eligible. For those who still need the booster shot, the University is holding a Booster Clinic on campus on Monday, Feb. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pre-scheduled appointments are available during the first two hours, followed by walk-ins during the second two hours.
  • Testing – thank you to those who participated in onboarding testing last week – many residential students continue to move in and so this week's testing will also include onboarding testing – asymptomatic required testing for residential students will launch next week. A testing schedule for the entire spring semester is available on our COVID-19 information site.
  • Effective next week: both negative and positive test results will be delivered to individuals testing via the CareEvolve email system. THIS IS A CHANGE FROM THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF AS PREVIOUSLY ONLY NEGATIVE TEST RESULTS WERE DELIVERED VIA EMAIL. In an effort to deliver the information in the timeliest and most efficient manner, the results that are sent via an email link to a confidential record system will be sent for ALL results: positive or negative (or inconclusive) and then the Health Center and/or HR will follow-up. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to open and read your test result. If a positive test result is received employees should follow their traditional "call out" procedures. Students should contact their faculty members to indicate their absence and seek an alternative to in-person class attendance for their period of isolation (minimum five days)
  • Everyone should reach out now and order free rapid tests from the federal website if you haven't already so you are prepared in the event that you test positive or become symptomatic.

All data points to the state being on the downslope of the surge in COVID-19 cases. For now, however, we must remain vigilant.

Stay safe,

Javier