Weekly Testing Update – Dec. 10, 2020

Dear FSU Community,

Our test results from Tuesday, Dec. 8th, resulted in 8 positives out of 635 tests administered. Contact tracing began yesterday to identify and quarantine close contacts of the individuals who tested positive. All of the latest data is now viewable on our COVID19 Dashboard.

We anticipated an uptick in positive results following the Thanksgiving Break. Overall, our numbers remain manageable, and well below the rates across the state as a whole. As we head into the coldest months of the year, I know that COVID fatigue is taking a toll on all of us. Massachusetts has launched the #GetBackMass campaign specifically to remind all of us to fight the urge to let down our guard. We will get back to the things we miss and love, but in order to do so, we need to continue being vigilant about mask wearing and social distancing.

The CDC and Mass DPH have announced new quarantine guidance for individuals in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID19. The incubation period can still last up to 14 days, but for most cases, health officials are seeing that it’s less than 10 days. Therefore, students must still quarantine for 14 days, but may now be released from strict quarantine after 7 days if a student has received a negative test 5 days or later from the time of exposure and has not experienced any symptoms associated with COVID19. A person who has not been tested can also be released from strict quarantine after 10 days if they have not experienced any symptoms. In both instances described above, individuals must continue to carefully monitor their symptoms through 14 days after exposure.

Finally, due to the rising cases across Massachusetts, please be aware that the Baker Administration has rolled back the state’s reopening to from Phase 3, step 2, to Phase 3, step 1, effective Sunday, Dec. 13th. This impacts certain industries, such as indoor performance venues and certain high-contact indoor recreational businesses. In addition, capacity limits will be reduced to 40% statewide for most industries, and the limit on outdoor gatherings will be reduced statewide from 100 persons to 50 persons.

As we head rapidly toward finals week and studying in common areas like the Library and McCarthy Center, remember you must keep wearing your face coverings, practice social distancing and good hygiene, and monitor your health for symptoms daily.

Stay safe,

Javier