December 16, 2021

It is our first Covid update with the year “2022” in it. While we are still in the final days of 2021 and we all hoped the pandemic would not have made it this far, let’s celebrate that we have at least made it through an entire semester in person! We continue to prevail through the highs and lows of the pandemic by working to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Spring Covid Planning Starts Now

The plan for the spring semester will be updated Jan. 6. It will include a decision about any requirement for students, such as to get Covid booster shots six months after their last dose, and information about testing within 72 hours of returning to campus. Students and employees should continue to monitor their email. Students will receive a message about testing requirements and the process to return to campus.

Don’t Wait, Get Boosters

If six months have passed since your last Covid vaccination, get your booster now.

• Students who get a booster over winter break can email an image of your updated Covid vaccination card to covidtesting@susqu.edu.

• Faculty and staff can submit their booster on the Faculty and Staff Covid Vaccine Form.

Upgrade to a KN95 Mask

Continue to wear masks indoors (even during the break). With Omicron in the air, it is best to wear KN95-type masks.

Get Your Flu Shot

Some symptoms of flu and Covid are similar, making it initially hard to tell the difference between them. Getting a flu vaccine is the best protection against flu and its potentially serious complications.

Reminder: Students Who Test Covid-Positive Over Break

Students who test positive over winter break, whether on or off campus, must notify the Student Health Center of their status at 570-372-4385 (the center facility will be closed Dec. 18–Jan. 23, though nurse triage will be available). A positive result will affect the ability of a student to follow the general test procedures for the spring semester return to campus. In such cases, health center staff will work with these students to ensure a safe return plan for everyone.

Happy and safe holidays!