COVID-19 Checkup 10-07-2021
October 7, 2021
Bearkats,
As the number of reported COVID-19 cases on campus and in our region continues to decline, we have reason to be hopeful. Although the virus is still here, thanks to your preventative actions, our campus community has been able to manage the number of cases. However, we are still in the midst of a pandemic and now we must deal with another potentially deadly virus – influenza.
So, what’s a Bearkat to do? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number one recommended way to prevent infection from the flu virus is getting a flu vaccine. With COVID-19 still circulating in our community, getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever. The CDC recommends that those age 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine as the virus is expected to peak between December and February. The university has already held free flu shot clinics for faculty, staff and students, so if you need to get the vaccine, please contact your medical provider or local pharmacy.
Keep up the good work and continue to follow proper hygiene and if you don’t feel well – stay home. Your fellow Bearkats will appreciate it!
It’s Best to Self-test
Is it the flu or COVID-19? Since many symptoms of both the flu and COVID-19 mimic each other, it’s best to self-test. Our medical staff strongly encourages unvaccinated individuals to test at least weekly during the semester whether or not they have symptoms or known exposure.
Self-Test: Pick up your Abbott Binax Rapid over-the-counter home COVID test at the LSC Information Desk, Library Information Desk or SHC Pharmacy. The test, which contains two tests per box, is FREE with your SAM ID.
Students: The SHC offers free screening testing and testing associated with an appointment. Call 936-294-1805 and staff will help you to determine which test you may need during your visit.
COVID-19 Updates
With the number of COVID-19 cases on the decline, the COVID-19 Work Group will replace the weekly newsletter with a monthly update. Expect our next email in November. We encourage you to continually check the SHSU COVID-19 website for additional updates and if you have questions, please email covid19@shsu.edu.
Community Transmission Rate: High
During high rates of community transmission, the CDC strongly encourages wearing face coverings when indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Weekly updates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 will continue to be added to the university’s dashboard every Friday, at approximately 4:30 p.m. To see the current number of cases, visit Dashboard Updates.
If you received a COVID vaccine, don’t forget to add that information to your Patient Portal for your records.
Work Group Members
Members
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Erica Bumpurs (Chair) | Health Center |
| Rhonda Beassie | Human Resources |
| Lonnie Booker | Emergency Management |
| Mary-Katherine Breen | Academic Success Center |
| Anne Gaillard | Office of the Provost |
| Weslie Gray | College of Arts & Media |
| Stephanie Knific | Marketing & Communications |
| Dustin LeNorman | Athletics |
| Drew Miller | Student Affairs |
| Matt Roberts | Facilities Services |
| Rachel Shorter | Client Services |
| Joellen Tipton | Residence Life |
| Candace Walkley | College of Osteopathic Medicine |
| Robert Williams | Health Center |