Weekly Testing Update – January 21, 2021

Dear FSU Community,

The University administered 208 COVID19 tests on Tuesday, Jan. 19th, resulting in zero positives. All of our latest data is now viewable on our COVID19 Dashboard.

Below are some important updates regarding onboarding testing for next week, as well as changes to our weekly testing schedule throughout the semester. All members of our community should review this information carefully.

Onboarding Testing:

  • Onboarding testing schedule: Sunday, January 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Monday, January 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  You can sign up for your COVID test now through Medicat. 
  • Onboard testing is available for all students, faculty, and staff who are living, studying, or working on campus.
  • All resident students need to complete testing on January 24 or 25.
    • Quarantine in your room except to pick up meals until you receive your negative test result. You should not attend in-person courses during this time. 
  • Commuter students with classes on campus are also required to get tested on January 24 or 25.
    • Quarantining off-campus is advised and you should not attend classes in person until you receive your negative test result.
  • Faculty have been advised to be flexible with regard to in-person class attendance on January 25th, recognizing that some students will still be waiting for their test results.

Weekly Testing Changes from Last Semester:

  • Starting Monday, Feb. 1st, Weekly Testing will be held on Mondays from Noon to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • All resident students must test every week.
  • Commuter students with classes on campus are also be expected to test more regularly this semester.
    • Commuter students with 2 or more classes on campus test weekly.
    • Commuter students with 1 class on campus test every-other week based on last name.
      • A-K will begin the week of February 1st
      • L-Z will begin the week of February 8th.

We have increased the frequency of testing due to the continued surge of COVID19 cases in Massachusetts and in compliance with State requirements, as well as the emergence of a new strain of the virus that is more contagious. The first four-to-six weeks are going to be critical to determining if we can get through the semester while maintaining an on-campus presence.

Everyone needs to be vigilant about following the strictest health and safety guidelines as we persevere through these final winter months and await further distribution of COVID vaccinations. That means 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 at 508-626-4900.

I look forward to seeing those of you who will be back on campus next week!

Stay safe,

Javier