COVID-19 Checkup

October 15, 2020

SHSU Community,

It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the fall semester! Now, more than ever, we need to remain vigilant as “COVID fatigue” sets in.

Over time, COVID fatigue can set in when people are less motivated to follow the basic principles of COVID-19 prevention, including wearing a face covering, frequently washing hands and adhering to social distancing when possible. While this is a challenge for all faculty, staff and students as we enter the 10^th month of the pandemic, your commitment and patience has made a measurable and positive impact on campus. The COVID Work Group remains optimistic about finishing the fall semester as scheduled and returning for the spring semester with no changes to the academic calendar.

Continue to monitor your health and:

1. Respect all Bearkats by wearing a face covering
2. Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet, whenever possible
3. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer often and don’t touch your face.
4. Avoid gatherings where social distancing and the use of face coverings are not being followed

COVID-19 Updates

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 are added to the university’s dashboard every Monday through Friday, at approximately 4:30 p.m. To see the current number of cases, visit Dashboard Updates.

Screenings Continue
Huntsville Memorial Hospital continues to provide students FREE symptomatic and asymptomatic testing on campus, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Specific testing information can be found on the SHC or Restart 2020 sites.

COVID Q&A

The information contained within this section pertaining to FFCRA is no longer accurate as of 3/31/2021.

Are student workers eligible for compensation if they can’t work due to COVID symptoms and/or testing?

Like all SHSU employees, students working for the university are eligible for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). FFCRA allows part-time workers to receive compensation for the average number of hours normally worked for COVID-related absences.

When student workers miss work to seek advice from a health care professional due to COVID-19 symptoms or quarantine/isolate based on the advice of a medical provider, the student may be eligible for funds to cover lost wages. To receive FFCRA compensation, a student worker

• Must fill out a federal leave request form
• Share the name/contact information of the medical provider the student sees, and
• Not have previously received FFCRA compensation

For more information see the SHSU Restart FAQs (Jump to the Human Resources Section) or contact Human Resources at 936-294-2637.

COVID Conversations

In the next segment of COVID Conversations, Drew Miller will continue to answer questions submitted to COVID19@shsu.edu. The goal of COVID Conversations is to provide clarity on how our campus community is navigating the pandemic. We encourage faculty, staff and students to continue to submit their pandemic-related questions to COVID19@shsu.edu.

COVID-19 Resources

Resources

Since COVID-19 information seems to change on a daily basis, please refer to official university sources for the most accurate information. For the most current information, visit the Restart 2020 website daily.

COVID-19 Work Group