Weekly Testing Update – February 18, 2021

Dear FSU Community,

The University administered 745 COVID19 tests on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, resulting in one positive result. Contact tracing of close contacts began immediately. All of our latest data is now viewable on our COVID19 Dashboard.

Our results continue to be good on campus and cases are coming down across Massachusetts and the U.S., but we still have to remain vigilant. Overall case numbers are still high and we’re concerned about the variants which may be more transmissible – the UK variant is spreading across the US and the first case of the South African variant was found in MA this week.  Mitigation efforts are as important as ever. The CDC came out with new guidelines for wearing face masks and making them more effective last week. I encourage everyone to check it out.

Next week we will return to our normal testing schedule of Mondays from Noon to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Schedule your testing appointment using Medicat or contact the Health Center (508-626-4900; healthcenter@framingham.edu) if the testing dates/times don’t work with your schedule so we can find an alternative way to accommodate you.

For details on those required to participate in COVID testing, including those who have previously tested positive for COVID go to:  https://www.framingham.edu/Assets/uploads/student-life/health-center/_documents/covid-19-testing-information.pdf

Finally, Whittemore Library is once again open to the community without an ID being required to enter. As with any area on campus, just be sure to have your facemask on.

As always, keep wearing your masks, practicing good hygiene and social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings. Monitor your health daily, and if you are showing any symptoms, no matter how mild, you should contact the Health Center.

Stay safe,

Javier