Covid Vaccinations Recommended

Students, employees and overnight guests are strongly recommended to be up to date with the bivalent Covid vaccine. This helps keep our community safe.

Students and overnight guests are no longer required to show proof of vaccination. For GO travel, students and employees should consider the latest CDC recommendations, and know and follow host-location requirements.

According to the CDC, access to Covid vaccines will generally not be affected for now. The U.S. government is currently distributing free for all adults and children.

Masking for Unvaxxed SU Travel Lifted

Unvaccinated individuals traveling on business with other university members are no longer required to wear masks, though they should still take precautions.

Covid At-home Tests May Not Be Covered by Insurance

Insurance providers are no longer required to waive costs or provide free Covid tests. CDC���s can help you find current community and pharmacy partners participating in the .

Treatments Will Remain Available

According to the CDC, medication to prevent severe Covid, , will remain available for free while supplies last. After that, the price will be determined by the medication manufacturer and your health insurance coverage. Check with your healthcare provider if you need .

The post Covid Vaccination Moves to Recommendation appeared first on 做厙TV.

In preparing for the fall semester, we made adjustments that make things easier while maintaining essential health protocols to minimize Covid on campus. Virus prevention and planning still depends on you.

Fall Covid Plan Supports Continued Safety

The has been updated. Highlights include:

• No campus-wide mask requirements, other than the following exceptions:
  • Within a classroom or lab when required by a faculty member,
  • Unvaccinated individuals traveling with others on university business, including field trips and athletics travel,
  • Anyone entering the Student Health Center, or
  • Students remaining on campus under quarantine or isolation protocols.

• At the Clyde H. Jacobs Fitness Center, students continue to use the to reserve a time. Faculty and staff can use their current 做厙TV ID and refer to the plan for family access.

• New students must show vaccination record cards with proof of fully vaccinated status before arriving to campus. Returning students cards are already on file.

GO Travel Requirements
Students, faculty and staff traveling on GO programs must be fully vaccinated and should be prepared to meet additional requirements, such as boosters, that may vary by host location. Vaccine exemptions from 做厙TV do not apply for international university-sponsored travel and GO Short domestic programs due to the nature of the programs as well as host regulations.

Get Boosters
Everyone should stay current with your Covid boosters. Studies show that staying up to date significantly reduces your risk of severe illness from the latest variants. It also helps others by lessening your ability to transmit the virus to them.

Monkeypox Monitoring and Precautions
做厙TV is monitoring the world outbreak of monkeypox. The United States has declared an official health emergency to dedicate immediate resources for this emerging infection. The university has health protocols in place and is prepared to enhance them as needed.

Currently, the risk of getting monkeypox for most people is low. However, according to the , cases in the U.S. and Pennsylvania are on the rise and anyone in close, skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact with an infected individual is at risk.

According to the , anyone can be susceptible to monkeypox, which can initially present with a fever (similar to Covid) prior to presenting a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. Here are . If you develop a fever, , avoid close contact with anyone and make an appointment to see the or your healthcare provider.

Questions?
If you have questions, contact the Covid-19 Hotline at 570-372-3333.

Best wishes for a great fall semester!

The post Preparing for Fall 2022 appeared first on 做厙TV.

Be Smart

Everyone should practice safety between now and Commencement. Observe good Covid-avoidance behaviors during senior week.

Always keep a mask with you. Avoid large gatherings and mask up when in close proximity to numbers of people, especially indoors.

Be Responsible

If you have symptoms, you must report to the Student Health Center. Let���s make sure that your health is a priority and get you treatments you might need.

It���s only days before we recognize your great achievement. We are glad you chose 做厙TV for your higher education and we look forward to celebrating a tremendous milestone that you have accomplished!

Stay safe,
Francy Magee, EdD
Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students

The post Healthy Commencement appeared first on 做厙TV.

Covid Numbers Remain Low
做厙TV only had two reported cases this week.

Masking Update
Effective immediately, instructors have discretion whether they choose to require masks in classrooms. Students not fully boosted should wear masks indoors in all situations.

Public Events Still Require Masks
Everyone on campus must wear a medical-grade or layered cloth mask at indoor events that are open to the public. Signs will be posted at entrances to let you know when masks are required.

Testing Protocols Revised
Required weekly testing for unvaccinated students, faculty and staff is paused. Other testing can be required for students at a higher risk due to their curricular or co-curricular activities. Please continue to watch your email for notifications.

Symptomatic Testing Still Required
Symptomatic testing for students is required through the Student Health Center. Test kits will be available in the Health Center and Human Resources for anyone interested in testing.

Sincerely,
The SU Pandemic Implementation Group  

The post Masking and Testing Protocol Adjustments appeared first on 做厙TV.

Cases Trend Low on Campus

Since the start of the semester, there have only been 35 cases on campus, and most had either no or minor symptoms. Thank you, as this number is a measure of your continued cooperation and compliance with health and safety guidelines.

More Freedoms, Less Masks for Boosted

Now that most of the campus community has been boosted and hospitalizations in the region have subsided, the university has decided it is reasonable to lessen the masking protocols.

Effective Tuesday, Feb. 22, everyone on campus must still wear a medical-grade mask indoors in classrooms and labs, and at events that are open to the public.

Those who are up to date with boosters do not need to wear masks in hallways, residence halls, dining centers, library, offices or the fitness center for recreational activities. Also, there are now options for everyone to snack and drink in classrooms. See the specifics below in Revised Mask Protocols, which is also on our .

Revised Mask Protocols

The updated provisions take effect Tuesday, Feb. 22:

• Everyone on campus must wear a multi-layer, medical-grade mask indoors in classrooms and labs. A layered cloth mask, or one with a filter or atop a disposable mask is also acceptable.
  • Food and drinks are permitted in classrooms and labs. Masks can be temporarily moved aside for a bite of food or to sip a drink, and then replaced.
  • Persons who are must continue to wear masks in all indoor spaces.
  • Persons under quarantine for close contact or isolation with a positive test must continue to follow respective protocols.
  • Persons traveling in vehicles with others on university business must wear masks.
  • Student-athletes must continue to follow NCAA protocols.
  • Anyone attending an on-campus event open to the public must wear masks (e.g., events in Houts Gym, Garrett Field House, Stretansky Hall, Deg Theater, Weber Chapel). Signs will be posted at entrances to let you know when masks are required.
  • Visitors are strongly recommended to wear masks throughout other areas of campus.
• Everyone is free to mask up at any time and in any place.

Our hope is that after Spring Break, we are able to announce a further easing of masking restrictions. However, should the pandemic take a different course, the university is prepared to respond.

Mask Resources

You are free to wear layered cloth masks again, or with a filter or atop a single disposable mask. Please remember to wash them and replace any disposable mask/filter that you wear underneath them.

The university provides medical-grade masks at stations across campus for anyone who forgets one. For students, faculty and staff with health concerns or immunocompromised, 做厙TV will provide high-quality masks through Facilities Management, Athletics, the Student Health Center and Residence Life.

Boosters

Continue to get your booster shots as you become eligible. Not only will it allow you to have more freedom on campus, but it also could prevent severe or long-term illness and even save your life. If you have not submitted your up-to-date vaccine card, please do so immediately by sending a picture of the card to .

Water Fountains Reopening

You will see that we are reopening water fountains throughout campus. Please refrain from using them until the restriction signs are removed, indicating the lines have been flushed and are ready for use.

Continue To Smile ��� With or Without Masks

Never assume that someone wearing a mask is symptomatic, a close contact, Covid-positive, immunocompromised or not up to date with the vaccination requirements. During this transition, some of us will still feel more comfortable wearing a mask. That���s okay and, in fact, the university still recommends that everyone wear a mask when in close proximity to larger numbers of people.

Pandemic Implementation Group

Members of 做厙TV���s pandemic implementation group promise they will continue to:

1. Monitor the global situation for the emergence of new Covid variants of concern.
2. Emphasize the importance of vaccination, along with a requirement for unvaccinated people to maintain precautions.
3. Maintain ventilation improvements in classrooms and other high-density settings.
4. Provide high-quality masks on campus for those who want them and/or have symptoms or have been exposed. Also provide them for those with health concerns or immunocompromised.
5. Test symptomatic individuals and continue with effective contact tracing.
6. Conduct regular screening testing.
7. Monitor CDC guidelines for quarantine and isolation.
8. Monitor local hospital resources.
9. Maintain the requirement that all students and employees traveling overseas for GO programs be fully vaccinated and boosted.
10. Be flexible in our responses.

As always, we welcome your feedback and questions, which can be sent to or by calling the Covid-19 Hotline at 570-372-3333.

Sincerely,
The SU Pandemic Implementation Group 

The post Revised Masking Protocols appeared first on 做厙TV.

做厙TV continues to review and adjust its Covid Plan, always considering expert advice, the current state of affairs and the community���s well-being.

Dr. David Richard, SU���s Covid-19 Coordinator and professor of biology, recently summed it up: ���This is not the same pandemic as before; it has evolved and our work must evolve with it. Prior to the emergence of Omicron, we concentrated on suppression of the virus on campus to the extent practically possible. I do not believe this strategy is feasible or even possible with this new variant, hence the switch away from suppression towards more of a management approach with a particular emphasis on protecting the vulnerable.���

Option to Isolate in Room for Covid Positive Residents

Following recent guidance from the American College Health Association, 做厙TV has decided to allow students who test positive for Covid to isolate in their room with heavily restricted movements. A few other institutions, such as Harvard and Northeastern, have adopted similar protocols. Whether students choose to isolate in their room or to relocate themselves off campus, we still ask that they have a plan ready. More details about isolation, including protocols for roommates of students with a positive diagnosis, are in the Spring Plan.

Weekly Testing

Weekly testing has shifted to be required for students and employees who are not fully vaccinated ��� rather than those who are not up to date with a booster. Weekly testing may still be required for students at a higher risk due to their curricular or co-curricular activities. More details are in the Spring Plan.

Reminder: Covid Booster Clinic on Campus

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 做厙TV will host a clinic for free Covid booster shots for eligible students, faculty, staff and their families on Friday, Feb. 4, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Degenstein Campus Center Rooms 3-5. Bring your Covid vaccination card to your appointment so that it can be updated. Flu vaccines will also be available at this clinic. Register here.

As always, we welcome your feedback and questions, which can be sent to covidtesting@susqu.edu or by calling the Covid-19 Hotline at 570-372-3333.

Sincerely,
The SU Pandemic Implementation Group

The post Option Added to Isolate in Room appeared first on 做厙TV.

As other colleges already have started their semesters in person, it is apparent, in light of the most recent dominant variant of the pandemic, that our campus community will likely see hundreds of positive cases this semester. The difference is, we are now in a phase of the pandemic in which more than 95% of our campus is fully vaccinated, with many up-to-date boosters underway, and most people who contact Covid experience moderate to no symptoms, similar to other viruses.

After careful consideration of health experts and taking into account community feedback, we made adjustments to the . Here are some key highlights:

New CDC Vaccinated Definitions

做厙TV has updated its following the latest CDC guidelines:

• Up to date means a person has received all recommended Covid-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

• Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of Covid-19 vaccines.

Booster Clinic on Campus

做厙TV is happy to announce, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we will have booster shots available for students, faculty, staff and their families on campus Friday, Feb. 4 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Advanced registration is required. Bring your Covid vaccination card to your appointment in Degenstein Campus Center Rooms 3-5, so we can update your information. .

Booster requirements remain in place for students. In response to some of you who have asked: Students who have tested positive for Covid and are eligible to receive a booster have 90 days from the date of that positive diagnosis to receive their booster.

Pre-Testing Prior to Campus Arrival

做厙TV knows testing can be difficult to access so we have removed the requirement for those who are with vaccines, in concurrence with CDC guidelines. All students and employees who are not up to date with vaccines, those with symptoms or those in close contact with a Covid-positive person are required to test within five days prior to arrival to campus. Student-athletes are required to test prior to arrival. 做厙TV still strongly encourages others to test yourself in advance of coming to campus so that you can isolate at home if you test positive. Students should upload results to .

Close Contacts Can Soft Quarantine on Campus

For students, the revised Plan now allows all close contact students, regardless of vaccination status, to soft quarantine on campus with some restrictions. A soft quarantine allows a student to leave their room to pick up to-go food and for class while wearing a KN95 mask. All high-risk activities will be paused while a student is in soft quarantine. The student is required to follow strict masking protocols during this time. Please refer the for details.

Medical-grade Masking

For the spring semester, everyone on campus must wear a medical-grade mask indoors. KN95, N95 or layered disposable ones are appropriate. KN95 masks are encouraged for the first two weeks of the semester and 做厙TV is making them available.

Dashboard Shift to County Data

While the SU Covid dashboard was of importance and utility in the early stages of the pandemic, the pandemic implementation group has concluded that the numbers we are posting are not as useful as they once might have been due to self-testing and underreporting. Because of this, it is not always a timely snapshot of the disease activity on campus. We also do not want campus community members to use raw data as a factor in deciding one���s adherence to safety protocols. Strict safety protocols should always be followed regardless of dashboard numbers. Therefore, we decided going forward to solely share local Department of Health dashboards and will continue to provide a link to county data. These numbers include data collected from the 做厙TV community members who report cases on campus or test off campus. We will continue to provide regular updates, such as this one, as needed.

Our emphasis remains on keeping our community focused and up to date on vaccinations and adherence to medical-grade masking protocols, as they are factors that contribute most significant to our semester success.

We will continue to assess and adjust and communicate updates. We welcome your feedback and questions, which can be sent to or by calling the Covid-19 Hotline at 570-372-3333.

Sincerely,

The SU Pandemic Implementation Group 

The post Spring Plan 2022 Adjustments appeared first on 做厙TV.

University offices reopened Tuesday as we prepare to welcome students back in a few weeks. Preparations are underway and we have completed a Covid Plan for the Spring 2022 semester.

Covid Plan Spring 2022

Instruction will be fully in-person without a remote option. Athletics is maintaining a full intercollegiate schedule.

As previously the case, SU���s Covid Plan reflects the latest guidance from public health experts and is subject to change as the pandemic develops. With the best interest of everyone���s health for a residential campus community, in some cases, SU���s protocols will exceed recommendations of the CDC, NCAA or other entities. See the .

Vaccination Booster Requirement for Students

To protect the health and safety of the campus and broader community, 做厙TV requires students who learn, live or work on campus to be vaccinated for Covid-19 and have submitted proof of a booster. Students are five months after their second Pfizer shot, six months after Moderna or two months after J&J. All other students must obtain the booster within two (2) weeks of their eligibility date. Students must email their updated Covid Card to .

Testing for Students

Students are encouraged to quarantine for 5 to 7 days prior to their return to Selinsgrove. All students are required to get tested within 72 hours prior to arriving back to campus for the semester. The test result must be uploaded to before a student is eligible to be on campus.

Unvaccinated students are required to get tested each week, in addition to some mandated random surveillance testing of individuals. Students must check their 做厙TV email address regularly for these notifications.

Arriving from an International Location?

Separate instructions will be sent to students arriving from international travel. If you have questions, you can contact the Student Health Center at 570-372-4385.

Required Individual Plan

Students must have an individual plan to relocate to an alternative site off campus should quarantine or isolation be required. Due to the highly transmissible nature of the Omicron variant, the university is not able to offer long-term quarantine or isolation housing.

For example, close-contacts who are unvaccinated/not yet boosted and anyone who tests positive regardless of vaccine/booster status will need to temporarily leave campus until cleared to return. Asymptomatic close-contacts who are fully vaccinated with a booster will be permitted to stay on campus following health and safety protocols.

Masking Update

Everyone on campus must wear a mask indoors (regardless of vaccination status and including all visitors). Medical-grade KN95 masks or layered disposable ones are appropriate. Masks are encouraged outdoors when around others and required for unvaccinated/unboosted persons unable to maintain six feet of distance from others.

Because of the highly transmissible nature of the Omicron variant, we are discouraging cloth masks unless placed over a disposable medical-grade mask.

Reminder: Students Who Test Covid-Positive Over Break

Students who test positive over winter break, whether on or off campus, must notify the Student Health Center of their status at 570-372-4385 (the center facility is closed through Jan. 23, though a nurse triage is available). A positive result will affect the ability of a student to follow the general test procedures for the spring semester return to campus. In such cases, health center staff will work with these students to ensure a safe return plan for everyone.

Confidentiality and Sharing of Information

Student information related to Covid is considered confidential and will be shared with members of the university���s Covid Response Team as needed to ensure the safety of the campus community.

The post Spring 2022 Covid Plan appeared first on 做厙TV.

Spring Covid Planning Starts Now

The plan for the spring semester will be updated Jan. 6. It will include a decision about any requirement for students, such as to get Covid booster shots six months after their last dose, and information about testing within 72 hours of returning to campus. Students and employees should continue to monitor their email. Students will receive a message about testing requirements and the process to return to campus.

Don���t Wait, Get Boosters

If six months have passed since your last Covid vaccination, get your booster now.

• Students who get a booster over winter break can email an image of your updated Covid vaccination card to .

• Faculty and staff can submit their booster on the .

Upgrade to a KN95 Mask

Continue to wear masks indoors (even during the break). With Omicron in the air, it is best to wear KN95-type masks.

Get Your Flu Shot

Some symptoms of flu and Covid are , making it initially hard to tell the difference between them. Getting a is the best protection against flu and its potentially serious complications.

Reminder: Students Who Test Covid-Positive Over Break

Students who test positive over winter break, whether on or off campus, must notify the Student Health Center of their status at 570-372-4385 (the center facility will be closed Dec. 18���Jan. 23, though nurse triage will be available). A positive result will affect the ability of a student to follow the general test procedures for the spring semester return to campus. In such cases, health center staff will work with these students to ensure a safe return plan for everyone.

Happy and safe holidays!

The post Preparing for Spring 2022 appeared first on 做厙TV.

Wear a Mask!

Please continue to wear masks indoors (even off-campus and during the break).

What���s the Plan for Spring?

The plan for the spring semester will be updated over the break. No major changes are anticipated from the fall plan. Students and employees should continue to monitor their email. Students will receive a message about testing requirements and the process to return to campus.

Testing Option for Students Prior to Break

For students heading away for winter break, limited testing will be available next week from Dec. 13���16. Time options range from 8:30���9:30 a.m. (Mon���Thu) and 3:30���4:30 p.m. (Mon���Wed). Please register using one of the links below.

• Monday, Dec. 13
• Tuesday, Dec. 14
• Wednesday, Dec. 15
• Thursday, Dec. 16

Students Residing on Campus for Break

Students must be registered to stay on campus over the winter break. A separate email from Student Life will provide information about applying for campus residency during the break. Students who are approved to stay on campus are strongly encouraged to continue to self-test, and some testing supplies will be made available. Students who are required to test must continue to follow notices from the Student Health Center and Athletics.

Students Who Test Covid-Positive Over Break

Students who test positive over winter break, whether on or off campus, must notify the Student Health Center of their status at 570-372-4385 (the center will be closed Dec. 18���Jan. 23, though nurse triage will be available). A positive result will affect the ability of a student to follow the general test procedures for the spring semester return to campus. In such cases, health center staff will work with these students to ensure a safe return plan for everyone.

Break To-Do List: Covid Booster + Flu Shot

Getting a flu vaccine is the best protection against flu and its potentially serious complications, and getting a Covid-19 vaccine, including a booster, is the best protection against Covid.

The FDA approved Covid booster shots for fully vaccinated Americans age 18+. Students who get a booster over winter break can email an image of their updated Covid vaccination card to covidtesting@susqu.edu. Faculty and staff who have received a booster can submit it on the Faculty and Staff Covid Vaccine Form.

Also, get your flu shot. Some of the symptoms of flu and Covid are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.

Covid Plan Updates

Recent updates to the plan include clarifications to;

• Information sharing: ���Student and employee information related to Covid is considered confidential and will only be shared with the Covid Response Team as needed to ensure the safety of the campus community.���
• Telework flexibility for employees while students are on break.
• Time recording and leave updates for employees related to vaccines, boosters and illness to provide more flexibility. Also, an update on employee close-contact requirements.

Dashboard

The Covid Dashboard data for fall 2021 will conclude on Dec. 17. The spring dashboard will resume weekly in February.

Happy and safe holidays!

The post End of Semester Covid Update appeared first on 做厙TV.