To All Members of the Campus Community: 

As we near the end of 2022, I want to thank all of you for your dedication in making this fall so successful. While the challenges of COVID-19 and other illnesses continue, we have come a long way from the difficult days of the recent past.

One key part of our progress is our recently launched Well-being Collective, which President Ono discussed in his message earlier this week. The health and the well-being of our campus remain a priority as we look to 2023 and beyond.

REMINDERS FOR TRAVELING AND GATHERING

• Get tested for COVID-19. Stop at one of our Community Sampling and Tracking Program sites for free, fast, and convenient asymptomatic COVID-19 PCR tests, N-95 and KN-95 masks, and rapid antigen tests. You do not need an appointment to pick up masks or antigen tests. Symptomatic testing can be done through UHS or OHS.
• If you test positive during the semester break, know your care and isolation options. You should isolate yourself from others and delay your return to campus until you have finished your isolation period.
• If you are traveling internationally, don’t forget to register your trip and consider your insurance options. See “Preparing for Upcoming International Travel” for details.
• This time of year can be stressful for many. Visit the Well-being Collective site for resources, options for care, and ways to get involved. 

REMINDERS FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Get vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and don’t forget the flu shot too. Now is a great time to make sure you’re up to date on all of your other vaccinations.
• Stay home when sick and know your treatment options for COVID-19 and flu.
• Carry a well-fitting mask with you to wear for enhanced personal protection from all respiratory illnesses. As already mentioned, free N-95 and KN-95 masks are available at CSTP locations.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and minimize contact between your hands and face. Hand hygiene is an especially powerful way to prevent many illnesses, including norovirus and adenovirus. Using hand sanitizer regularly is a really healthy habit but not effective against all viruses, so washing with soap and water is also important.

We are still tracking variants of COVID-19 and other illnesses and we are watching closely as the winter approaches. Maintaining our commitment to public health is essential to a successful start to 2023 for all of us.

Thank you again and have a wonderful, restful break.

Sincerely, 

Robert D. Ernst, M.D.
Chief Health Officer
Associate Vice President of Student Life
Executive Director of University Health Service