Testing Information from the Health Center

Good Afternoon! 

We are excited to welcome you back to campus! The safety of students, parents, and all members of our campus community are of significant importance to us. Prior to arrival to campus there are some important actions to be completed:  

Prior to arrival to campus:

1. Please read the Springfield College Community Agreement 

2. Complete the consent form Student Consent for COVID-19 Testing

3. CoVerified App: The College has partnered with CoVerified, to assist with daily symptom checking, test result management, and contact tracing. In the upcoming week you will be receiving additional information on how to download the CoVerified App.  When registering, please remember the following:

   1. Residential Students: PLEASE be sure to use the Springfield College address and zip code: 263 Alden St, Springfield MA 01109

   2. Commuter/Off Campus Students: Use your local address

Pre-Arrival:

Per the Massachusetts Travel Guidelines, pre-arrival testing is mandatory for all students arriving from "higher risk" states.  Although not required for students coming from "lower risk" states, pre-arrival testing is recommended to help decrease the risk of a positive case on campus.  The test should be a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test and needs to be administered within 72 hours of arriving on campus or in Massachusetts. Proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival will be required to move into residence halls. Students who did not have a test or whose test result is still pending at the time of arrival to campus will be asked to quarantine off campus. Antibody testing is not acceptable. For more information and to confirm the current list of "lower" risk states, please visit the MA COVID Travel link. All test results must be in English.

Prior Positive COVID Test:

The CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health do not recommend retesting for COVID-19 for 90 days after a positive COVID-19 test, as long as the person remains asymptomatic.  If you have had a positive COVID-19 test in the last 90 days please bring documentation of your positive test to the testing center.  You still must present to the testing site during your scheduled move-in timeframe.

Arrival:

All residential students will be tested upon arrival to campus, as the first step in the move-in process.

1. Arrive on campus during your assigned move-in time block. Go directly to lot #2 and park your vehicle. Students only will cross the street to the Health Center tents for COVID testing (Campus Map). Families/move-in helpers must stay in the vehicle.

2. Wear a mask upon exiting your vehicle.

3. Please make sure that prior to arriving for testing you have completed the following:

   1. Completed Consent form Student Consent for COVID-19 Testing

   2. Bring your photo ID (driver’s license, passport, school ID, etc.)

   3. Bring a copy of your pre-arrival COVID test if arriving from a “higher-risk” state or results of a previous positive COVID test

Testing… What to Expect:

Asymptomatic, surveillance testing will be self-administered, under the direction of a health professional. It is an anterior nasal swab (front of nose). This method is more comfortable than the deep nasopharyngeal swab but as effective. Prior to swabbing, you will be asked to blow your nose and then twirl a swab in each nostril.

Your test results will be available in approximately 24-48 hours. 

Ongoing Surveillance Testing:

Each week, a percentage of the student population will be selected and tested to identify positive cases among asymptomatic individuals. In the coming weeks you will receive a separate email with additional information on surveillance testing and the CoVerified app. Students are expected to comply with all notifications of selection for surveillance testing and symptom checking. Students who fail to comply will be quarantined in their room and prohibited from attending classes in person. Failure to comply a second time will result in suspension from on-campus housing and all on-campus activities.

Campus Guidance: 

The safety our students and all members of the campus community are of utmost importance.  We are all in this together and need everyone to do their part.  Please remember to practice appropriate physical distancing, wear masks, and abide by all guidelines in accordance with Springfield College, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the CDC guidelines.

The safety measures and protocols we have implemented will continue to evolve based on federal and state changes in guidelines.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us directly at healthcenter@springfield.edu or call our office at 413-748-3175.  Our business hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday.  

Again, welcome to Springfield College! We are looking forward to welcoming you to The Pride!
 

Thank you,

The Health Center Staff