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COVID-19 updates for the fall semester

The following message was sent Monday, Aug. 8, to faculty and staff from President Martin.

Please take a moment to read a message that was sent to students regarding our continued response to COVID-19. While we are planning to enjoy the full Drake experience this fall, we must take appropriate precautions to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on our community.

For the most part, our COVID-19 guidelines remain the same as at the end of the spring semester:

  • Free PCR tests remain available for faculty, staff, and students in the Student Services Center located in Olmsted. Tests can be picked up and returned Monday–Friday between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • If you test positive, please report your result through the faculty/staff reporting form. This helps us to keep a pulse on the prevalence of the virus on campus. There is a separate reporting form for students as noted below.
  • If you test positive, stay home. Refer to CDC guidance for isolation, quarantine, and masking. Work with your manager or department chair to take leave or arrange for remote work if you are able.
  • Surveillance testing and contact tracing will no longer be performed. Student athletes will continue to follow NCAA guidelines regarding testing and contact tracing.
  • Masks continue to be optional in all University buildings.

Vaccines are our greatest defense for minimizing disruption to the academic year and reducing the risk of severe disease and hospitalization. If you haven’t done so, I urge you to get vaccinated and take advantage of every COVID-19 booster available to you.

We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. Should the CDC publish new guidelines, we will update our policies and practices accordingly. As was the case at the end of the spring semester, COVID-19 email updates will be issued on an as-needed basis.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our campus community. Together we are learning to live with COVID-19 and minimize its impact on our community. I look forward to a great semester.

Best,

Marty