COVID-19 Checkup

December 10, 2020

This semester has definitely proven that we as Bearkats are resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity. As we conclude the Fall semester and transition into the next, the health and safety of our campus community will remain front and center. The work group will continue to meet and make recommendations to allow for flexibility, cooperation and collaboration in our educational mission.

The COVID Work Group wishes you and your family good health this holiday season.

What Will Spring 2021 Look Like?

Academics

Hopefully, you are feeling a bit optimistic about 2021. We expect to start the spring semester as planned on January 13, 2021. Students will have more instructional choices including increased face-to-face interaction as we understand the in-person experience is irreplaceable. The university has also worked diligently to repurpose facilities to hold fully face-to-face instruction for freshman and sophomore classes in different venues across campus. Academic Affairs continues to work with colleges and departments in an effort to add more in-person courses for the spring.

Testing

Over the break, the COVID-19 testing kiosk will move to 2424 Sam Houston Avenue, near the Charles W. Tackett University Police Building, to serve the entire community. The booth will open on December 14 and perform tests by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until Dec. 31 at noon. The kiosk will be closed December 24 and 25 due for Christmas and December 31 and January 1, 2021 for New Year’s.

Appointments are required at this location. To schedule a test and pre-register, visit Curative and select the SHSU Sam Houston Avenue location. Although there is no cost for the test, those with health insurance will be asked to provide this information. Testing for the uninsured is funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The kiosk will return to campus on January 4, 2021.

Health and Safety

Next semester, our established COVID-19 policies will continue to be in effect, including wearing masks, practicing social distancing and limiting in-person gatherings. The university will continue to monitor local conditions to make evidence-based decisions on how the virus is affecting Walker County and the surrounding areas.

The university is also reducing the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors through improved air filters which capture 95% of particles; this includes any respiratory droplets that fall in this range.

Buildings that cannot be completely outfitted (due to age, ventilation system, etc.), will be upgraded to filters which capture 80% of particles and will have UV-C lighting installed. UVC lamps in occupied indoor areas markedly reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission of coronaviruses, as well as other viruses such as influenza. This installation will improve the particle capture rate to 90%.

Buildings with densely populated, high traffic, or sensitive areas have been outfitted with portable HEPA units. These HEPA units have a filter particle efficiency of 99.99%.

Don’t Pop Your Holiday Bubble

The CDC has developed recommendations to host safer celebrations this holiday season. Of course, the safest way to celebrate the winter holidays is at home with the people you live with – your holiday bubble. Not sure of what to do? Well, you don’t have to be a grinch. You can still be fun and festive within your bubble.

Go Virtual

Thanks to Zoom, you can connect with anyone, anytime, anywhere. Some alternatives for a jolly good time include:

• Open gifts together
• Host an ugly sweater contest
• Read Christmas stories
• Bake cookies and other treats
• Share a holiday meal or toast the occasion

If You Must Go in Person

• Get a flu shot
• Pledge to follow strict health precautions
• Wear your mask
• Self-quarantine before/after if possible
• Get tested for the virus
• Avoid contact with people outside of the bubble

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