Revised CDC Mask Guidance and Upcoming COVID-19 Testing
Safer Campus Task Force Updates
Updated CDC Mask Guidance
Stetson University’s face covering policy requires the wearing of a cloth face covering on all Stetson University campuses, including all indoor and outdoor spaces. In the latest CDC guidance, the agency cited new scientific research that shows masks also help protect the wearer from airborne droplets. The new guidance also reiterated individual and community benefits are significantly increased in communities where people use masks consistently and correctly. We continue to ask the Stetson community to abide by on-campus safety guidelines and remain vigilant about necessary precautions while off campus, including avoiding indoor parties without masks, social events, and bars and restaurants, to help protect themselves and the community.
Last Chance to Get On-Campus COVID-19 in 2020
Stetson will be offering winter break testing dates, Tuesday, Dec. 8, and Tuesday, Dec. 15, in partnership with the DeLand Wellness Center. Rapid antigen nasal or throat swab testing for students and employees will take place 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Hollis Center Rinker Field House. Click the registration links below to sign up for a winter break COVID-19 testing time slot.
- Dec. 8 – registration
- Dec. 15 – registration
Other Testing Options
On-Campus Symptomatic Testing: Stetson Health Service offers rapid antigen COVID-19 nasal swab testing for symptomatic students and employees. Appointments must be scheduled and there will be a $35 visit charge for this testing. If the rapid antigen test is positive, the individual will receive a PCR test charged through insurance or referred to an off-campus option for those without insurance.
Off-Campus Testing: Stetson University students can get free rapid antigen testing at any CentraCare location. You must bring printouts of the two forms, found at the link below, when you visit the CentraCare location. You can make an appointment online – select the option for COVID-19 Testing. Results will be shared with Stetson Health Service and the Dean of Students Office to help provide support for COVID positive students.
Remember, if you receive a negative COVID-19 test result but have had direct exposure, you will still need to isolate.
Don’t Forget to Register for Spring 2021 Gateway Testing
Registration is now open for required Spring 2021 Gateway Testing in partnership with DeLand Wellness Center. Appointments are available Jan. 9-13, 2021, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Rinker Field House, Hollis Center. Links for scheduling your appointment are available below. Each link is specific to a date.
Gateway Testing Appointment Links
Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021
Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021 *Residence Halls open Jan. 10
Monday, Jan. 11, 2021
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021
What happens if I test positive at Gateway Testing for the Spring 2021 semester?
Stetson will support all students who test positive at Gateway Testing as they support students throughout the year for the isolation process. Residential students who cannot go home for their isolation period will be assisted with an appropriate space for isolating including meal delivery (even if they don’t have a meal plan). All students will connect with a Tracer staff member, receive medical referrals if needed, obtain faculty/supervisor notification, receive assistance with being cleared, and receive periodic check-ins by staff to see how they are doing and determine if resources are needed. We highly encourage you to pack your belongings and vehicle in a way that would allow you to move into isolation quickly without having to unpack all of your belongings. Specific guidance on isolation and suggested items to bring can be found on the FAQ page, Isolation category.
Do I have to participate in Gateway Testing if I tested positive in the last 90 days (i.e., historically positive)?
You are still required to participate in Gateway Testing. According to Department of Health guidelines, individuals do not need to isolate again within 90 days of a prior positive test result. Historically positive test results, within 90 days, must be provided on-site at gateway testing. At this time, we do not know if someone can be re-infected with COVID-19. Current data show that a person who has had and recovered from COVID-19 may have low levels of virus in their bodies for up to 3 months after diagnosis. This means that if you have recovered from COVID-19 and are retested within 3 months of initial infection, you may continue to have a positive test result, even though you may not be spreading COVID-19. Until we know more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all people, whether or not they have had COVID-19, continue to take safety measures to avoid becoming infected with COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, washing hands regularly and staying at least 6 feet away from others whenever possible.
What if I cannot make the testing dates and times offered for Gateway Testing?
If you are unable to schedule a test appointment on campus during the days and times offered, a testing accommodation request should be submitted through the exemption process. These requests could be the result of travel plans, vacation, illness or other emergency situations. This process provides reasonable accommodations and alternatives for on-campus testing.
For questions or concerns regarding Spring 2021 Gateway Testing, please contact the Screening and Testing Subgroup at [email protected], or visit the FAQ page, COVID-19 Testing category.
Latest COVID-19 Test Results
Asymptomatic On-Campus Testing
- Nov. 10 – 188 PCR tests, 3 positive, 1.6% rate
- Nov. 9 – 79 tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 2 positive, 2.53% rate
- Nov. 4 – 246 rapid antigen tests, 1 positive, 0.41% rate
- Nov. 2 – 75 tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 5 positive, 6.67% rate
- Oct. 28 – 210 PCR tests, 8 positive, 3.81% rate
- Oct. 26 – 121 tests of student-athletes and Athletics staff, 3 positive, 2.48% rate
- Oct. 20 – 176 rapid antigen tests, 1 positive, 0.57% rate
Upcoming President’s Weekly Webinars
President’s Update: Spring Term Planning and Updates
Thursday, Dec. 10, 4-5 p.m.
Join President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, for a discussion on planning and updates for Spring Term. This is open to the Stetson community. Panelists will be announced at a date closer to the event.
President’s Update: Welcome Back
Thursday, Jan. 7, 4-5 p.m.
Join President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, for a Welcome Back Webinar. Expect any final updates for the Stetson community, students, faculty and staff, for the upcoming semester. Panelists will be announced at a date closer to the event.
