COVID-19 Checkup
January 21, 2021
Today sadly marks the one year anniversary since the first COVID-19 case was diagnosed in the US. Despite the grim statistics, we look forward to a steady normalization as the vaccine becomes more widely available in combination with the safety protocols and practices we have developed.
This month, the Department of Student Activities launched the Kudos and Thanks Campaign to acknowledge students, faculty and staff who are caught caring and respecting their fellow Bearkats by wearing face coverings properly and abiding by COVID-related health and safety protocols.
Show your appreciation and nominate a faculty, staff or student who exhibits outstanding COVID-19 safety and service on our campus and beyond. A Bearkat will be recognized monthly and honored with the K.A.T. Award. We thank everyone for helping us keep our campus safer for everyone!
COVID-19 Town Hall
As we enter a new semester, we are taking a cautious and thoughtful approach to resuming campus life through continued testing, mitigation efforts and vaccinations. With data and information constantly evolving, there is still much to learn.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 3 at 3 p.m. to join Dr. Drew Miller and a panel of guests at a virtual Town Hall to answer questions from faculty, staff and students about COVID-19 and provide the latest updates on the university’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Look for an evite in your inbox soon.
COVID-19 Testing – Asymptomatic Screening
Where: SHC
When: Beginning January 20, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The testing provided by the SHC is for asymptomatic screening. In order to be tested at the SHC, you need to do the following:
- Be a current SHSU student
- Bring SAM ID to test
- Log into the Patient Portal on the SHC homepage and upload insurance information OR if uninsured, add your driver’s license information
- If you are uninsured, testing is covered under the CARES Act
COVID-19 Testing – Symptomatic
- Students: If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, seek medical care at the SHC
- Faculty/Staff: If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, seek medical care through your medical provider
COVID Q&A
Does my negative COVID test rule out COVID?
A negative test does not give you a pass to drop your mask and socialize in groups. The test is actually a snapshot in time. A negative PCR test tells you that you were negative a few days ago when you took the test. A negative rapid antigen test tells you that you’re probably not infectious right now, but it’s better to take a few more tests over the next few days to be sure. In both cases it’s possible you still have the virus (just as it’s possible to get a negative pregnancy test and still be pregnant).
If I’ve been vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask?
Yes, but hopefully not forever. The two vaccines that were authorized clearly protect people from getting sick with Covid-19. But, the clinical trials that delivered these results were not designed to determine whether vaccinated people could still spread the coronavirus without developing symptoms. That remains a possibility. We know that people who are naturally infected by the coronavirus can spread it while they’re not experiencing any cough or other symptoms. Researchers will be intensely studying this question as the vaccines roll out. In the meantime, even vaccinated people will need to think of themselves as possible spreaders.
COVID-19 Updates
Weekly updates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 will continue to be added to the university’s dashboard every Monday through Friday, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Since data is constantly evolving, we are currently looking at improvements to our COVID-19 Dashboard. To see the current number of cases, visit Dashboard Updates.
COVID-19 Work Group
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Drew Miller | Student Affairs |
| Brian Loft | Academic Affairs |
| Robert Williams | Health Center |
| Joellen Tipton | Residence Life |
| Ann Theodori | SAM Center |
| Stephanie Knific | Marketing & Communications |
| Rachel Shorter | Tech/Desktop Services |
| Dustin LeNorman | Athletics |
| Matt Roberts | Facilities Services |
| Rhonda Beassie | Human Resources |
| Candace Walkley | College of Osteopathic Medicine |
| Erica Bumpurs | Health Center |
| Mary-Katherine Breen | Academic Success Center |
| Wayne Barrett | College of Arts & Media |
| Anne Gaillard | Biology/College of Science & Engineering Technology |
| Steve Jeter | Public Safety |
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Jerrell Sherman | Dean of Students Office |
| Jessica Smith | Human Resources |
| Rachel Valle | Student Activities |
| Clint Lockwood | Enrollment Management |
| Terry Blaylock | Client Services |
| Kristy Vienne | Auxiliary Services |
| Bill Angrove | SHSU Online |
| Julie Schwab | Provost's Office |