Dear Students,
We hope this message finds you well. With the conclusion of the fall academic term approaching, we wanted to share some information with those of you who will be returning home for the holidays.
Before you depart for the break, Seattle University strongly recommends that you get tested for COVID-19 so that you don’t take the virus home with you. Our Student Health Center will be offering COVID-19 testing clinics on Wednesday, Nov. 18, and Thursday, Nov. 19. Please select an appointment time on the Medicat patient portal by Sunday, Nov. 15. Depending on demand, additional test clinics could open to accommodate student testing needs. Test results can take up to three business days, so please consider this and factor it into your travel plans when scheduling your appointment. Testing will be by appointment only to ensure appropriate physical distancing.
Additional testing locations in the community offer weekend testing, if desired:
We know the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread even if someone has no symptoms and it can take 14 days from the point of exposure for someone to test positive for COVID-19. So even if your test is negative, there is still a possibility you could be infected with the virus. Here are a few ways to reduce risk to your families:
- Minimize interactions with others in the two weeks prior to travelling home;
- Be diligent with face covering use, hand washing, physical distancing and cleaning shared surfaces prior to and after contact; and
- Read through the CDC’s recommendations for staying safe during the holidays.
If you test positive and are unable to travel, the university will provide isolation housing at no additional cost for as long as the student is in isolation. Also any student identified as a close contact who is unable to travel will be provided quarantine housing at no additional cost for as long as they are in quarantine.
Thank you for continuing to do your part to help keep yourselves and all members of our campus community healthy and safe. Please know that you have our best wishes for a successful completion of your fall quarter and a restful and enjoyable break.
Sincerely,
Shane P. Martin
Provost
Co-Chair, Reopening Task Force
Timothy P. Leary
Executive Vice President
Co-Chair, Reopening Task Force