May 11, 2023, marked the end of the federal COVID-19 national public health emergency. Drake has adjusted its COVID-19 guidance to reflect the expiration of the PHE as indicated below.

• Masking: Masks are not required on Drake’s campus. Individuals who choose to wear a mask based on their own circumstances are encouraged and supported to do so. Changes in this positioning will be predicated on community transmission levels.
  
• Test Availability: PCR tests will no longer be available to Drake from the state of Iowa Department of Public Health as a state testing site. Students will be able to obtain tests at the Student Health Center.
  
• Test Benefit for Faculty and staff: Drake’s medical plan will no longer pay the full cost for COVID-19 testing services or the purchase of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests as of May 12, 2023. Employees will be responsible for paying the required office visit co-pay amount for testing services as well as the full cost for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests.

Note: If you are on Drake’s medical plan and  wish to get tested for COVID-19 at a pharmacy, you will be required to submit a claim form to Wellmark for reimbursement. The service will be processed per the plan’s cost-share amount. Medicap and Hy-Vee Pharmacies can submit claims for testing services directly to Wellmark.

• Employee vaccination benefit: Drake’s medical plan will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost. If you have questions about these changes, please contact Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield customer service at 800–362–2230.
  
• Reporting Positive COVID-19 Tests: Faculty, staff, and students with a positive test will no longer be required to report test results to the University. Everyone, however, should refer to the CDC for guidance after a positive test and consult with their provider for appropriate care.

• Relocation Procedures for Residential Students: As of the conclusion of the Spring 2023 semester, the University has discontinued relocation procedures of on-campus students who test positive for COVID-19. This means an isolation room in Ross Hall will no longer be offered as a temporary housing option. Prior to move-in this fall, residential students will be provided additional information about what to do should they test positive for COVID-19.

As always, the University will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully and adjust these measures as needed. Although the official public health emergency has ended, please remain vigilant about protecting yourself and others.

For questions on Drake’s COVID-19 guidance, contact Scott Law at scott.law@drake.edu.