Good Morning,
As you are aware, all students will be tested for COVID-19 before the start of in person classes. Commuters are being tested this upcoming week. In order to minimize wait time at the testing site and to ensure that all safety measures can be followed you can pick a time slot from the linked schedules:
Monday 8/31/20
Tuesday 9/1/20
Wednesday 9/2/20
Thursday 9/3/20
Friday 9/4/20
***PLEASE choose a testing time by Sunday, 8/30/20 11:00pm.***
If you are taking your classes entirely remotely and not coming to Springfield College campus for any reason, you do not need to sign up for testing at this time. Please notify the Office of Student Affairs if you are opting out of testing for this reason (studentaffairs@springfield.edu).
IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION:
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Testing will take place outside the Health Center under tents (if severe weather it will be moved in-doors) (Campus Map). Please park in lot 2 this week for testing.
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Wear a mask upon exiting your vehicle and follow social distancing protocols.
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Please make sure that prior to arriving for testing you complete the on-line consent form: Student Consent for COVID-19 Test
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Bring your photo ID (SC ID preferred).
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. Students are expected to comply with all notifications of selection for surveillance testing. Students who fail to comply will be prohibited from attending classes in person.
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.
Sincerely,
The Health Center Staff
