COVID-19 Update: Optional Winter Break COVID-19 Testing, #CampusClear During Break

Nov. 24,2020

Dear Saint Louis University students,

As we move into Thanksgiving and winter break, we are grateful for the extraordinary dedication, hard work, and sacrifice you invested in helping to keep our campus open and safe for the entire fall semester. We are proud that by living OneSLU, you helped us achieve what few thought possible in early August.

We are all looking ahead to winter break and return for the spring semester, which will be here before we know it.

Asymptomatic testing during winter break

Due to the small number of students who will be in on-campus housing during winter break and the fact that some students will go home for portions of the break, we will forego conducting random sample testing of asymptomatic students throughout the winter break.

Instead, the University will offer optional, weekly COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic students who are living on-campus over winter break.

Forty to fifty testing slots will be available each week, which is approximately 10 percent of students who will be on campus at some point over the break. There will be no charge for this testing.

Testing will take place on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lower level of Simon Recreation Center.

Testing dates over winter break are Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22, as well as Jan. 5 and 12.

We are planning to test all asymptomatic students who live on campus when they return to SLU for the spring semester. More details will be sent as our plans for the spring semester are finalized.

Daily health screening during winter break

Using the#CampusClear appis an easy way to monitor the onset of potential COVID-19 symptoms every day, including over winter break. It’s recommended that you continue to use #CampusClear every day, even if you are not on campus over break.

If you are remaining on campus over winter break — living, working, or studying — you are expected to use #CampusClear every day.

If you develop symptoms or get tested off-site during winter break (and are staying on campus)

Student Health will remain open during winter break, with the exception of holidays when the University is closed.

If you are staying on campus and develop symptoms or believe that you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you must call Student Health right away at 314-977-2323. There is a nurse on call 24/7.

You maynot“self-isolate” in your regular on-campus residence while awaiting test results. Compliance with this expectation is a part of theCampus Commitment.

Student Health has started using a new rapid test for students who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. We also are investigating the prospect of using at-home test kits. More details are forthcoming.

If you get tested off-site while at home over winter break, please contact the Student Health Center with your results, whether positive or negative.

Stay safe and healthy.

Terri Rebmann, Ph.D., RN, CIC, FAPIC
Special Assistant to the President
Director, Institute for Biosecurity
Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics
College for Public Health & Social Justice