Dear Members of the Campus Community, 

Due to the high numbers of campus community members expected to travel over fall break, members of the campus community who travel overnight (i.e., outside the immediate area) are required to participate in our campus asymptomatic saliva testing program three to five days after their return to campus. Test kits are located on the second floor of Wheelock Student Center across from Room 208. Given the fall break testing, there will not be random asymptomatic testing on campus the week of Oct. 25.

Travel Tips from CHWS Contact Tracing Team 

  • Know before you go. Many places are still experiencing high rates of COVID-19 transmission. Make sure you understand the risks of traveling right now, and take action to mitigate the risk to yourself and your community. Research your destination and the safest ways to get there. What are the vaccine or testing requirements? Do you need to show proof of a negative test or vaccine card for any activities/places? Make sure you know what to expect and what precautions to take during your trip. Keep a copy of your vaccine card or a photo of your card with you.  
  • Up your mask game. We all love our cute and comfortable cloth masks, but an upcoming trip is a good time to invest in some more substantial masks that offer better protection. Recommended masks include N95, KN94, KF94 or wearing a surgical mask plus a cloth mask, or a cloth mask with a filter. Wear a more substantial mask when you are in crowds, on a plane, or in spaces where distancing is not possible. Masks help protect you, and the people around you.  
  • Keep your distance.  Make an effort to stay 6’ away from others while traveling, and avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Whenever possible, choose outdoor activities and outdoor dining over indoor options. Make sure that the people you are traveling with are also taking COVID-19 precautions seriously. 
  • Plan ‘Q.’  What will you do if you are exposed to COVID-19 while traveling? How will you get tested if you or someone you’re traveling with develops symptoms? Do you have a quarantine plan and quarantine space if needed? Take some time to make a quarantine plan and talk through the plan with people you are traveling with.
  • The post-test. Take a COVID-19 test 3 – 5 days after you travel. If you have symptoms after you get back, self-quarantine until you have received a negative PCR test result.  

Thank you for observing these guidelines, and have a wonderful fall break.

Sincerely,

Kelly K. Brown, Ph.D. | Director
Counseling, Health, & Wellness Services