Weekly Testing Update - April 1, 2021
Dear FSU Community,
The University administered 771 COVID19 tests on Monday and Tuesday this week, resulting in 11 positives. Contact tracing of close contacts began immediately. All of our latest data is now viewable on our COVID19 Dashboard.
We are now seeing a clear and concerning uptick in positive cases on campus. It's crucial that everyone follow the strictest safety standards if we are to finish out this semester without moving to fully remote learning. Cases are beginning to surge again in Massachusetts and there are more contagious variants of COVID-19 spreading rapidly. Now is not the time to let down our guard.
Based on our contact tracing so far, we have learned that transmission does not seem to be happening in classes or athletics, but among students who hang out and socialize together. We saw several students become positive this week while they were in quarantine after socializing with other students who tested positive last week.
The spring weather has brought with it more temptation for gathering and socializing, but we must remember the importance of masking and social distancing. Please keep this in mind during the upcoming holiday weekend.
Wearing your face masks indoors and outdoors, practicing social distancing and good hygiene, participating in COVID testing, and avoiding large gatherings all remain crucially important. We expect all of this whether or not you have been fully vaccinated. Monitor your health daily and if you are showing any symptoms, no matter how mild, you should contact the Health Center.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as you become eligible. The state's vaccine website is the best resource for information on the rollout of vaccines in Massachusetts, including who is currently eligible, how you can sign up, and locations where you can get vaccinated. Even though Phase 3 - when the general public becomes eligible - does not begin until April 19th, everyone can pre-register for their shot now. The vaccine is free, safe and effective.
There are about six weeks left in the academic year and we all need to do our part to keep our campus safe and healthy.
Stay safe,
Javier