COVID-19 Checkup

December 3, 2020

SHSU Community,

Well, we made it to the end of the fall semester! Across our campus and community, faculty, staff, and students have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and a firm commitment to protecting the health of all Bearkats.

What Can You Do to Lower Risk Before Going Home?

You may be concerned about going home and bringing the coronavirus with you. Know BEFORE you go and get tested. The university is still offering FREE testing* for students, faculty and staff at its testing kiosk until December 11. This free saliva test is quick, painless, and you receive results in 24-48 hours. The kiosk is located outside the LSC and testing is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You are encouraged to pre-register, you must present your SAM ID upon arrival. Although appointments are encouraged, they are not required. However, if you do not schedule a test in advance, you must bring a cell phone or digital device to complete the online registration process at the kiosk.

*Testing is not recommended for those who have had a positive test within the last 90 days.

How to Safely Manage the Return Home

We understand that people’s lives can be very complex with work, school and caring for elders. That doesn’t mean you can’t try to reduce risk. While it is recommended to quarantine for two weeks after arriving home, avoiding close contact with family members AND wearing a mask inside your home lowers the risk that you will unknowingly transmit the virus to your family and others. If possible, get tested once you arrive home. Find a testing location near your home on VaccineFinder.org.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Plan ahead for travel. The safest way to travel is by car. Either drive home if you have your own vehicle or have family members pick you up. All passengers in the car should wear a mask and open the windows for air circulation if possible. If you must travel via common carrier (trains, planes), use the restroom before you arrive at the terminal or station to reduce your risk of exposure. While airplanes and trains are not likely settings for super-spreader events, everything before and after people board is somewhat risky. Wear a mask the entire time you are travelling, avoid eating or drinking if possible, wash hands and use hand sanitizer often. Where possible, you should space out where you are sitting. And, if you must fly home, determine if your airline requires a negative COVID test for boarding.

COVID 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. Please note that the dashboard will not be updated during the university’s closure or holiday break.

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