Thanksgiving Break Reminders Regarding COVID-19 Precautions and Testing

Members of the SU Community,

As many of you prepare to leave campus and the Salisbury area for Thanksgiving break, please remember that, though this is a festive time of year, we are still combating a global pandemic. Whether you choose to participate in traditional or modified holiday events, please stay safe by remembering to observe the same precautions that have served you and the University so well this semester:

•    Stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible.
•    Wear face masks as appropriate in public indoor spaces (and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible).
•    Avoid large gatherings (and make sure you know what gathering restrictions are in effect in your county and state).
•    Wash your hands frequently (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not immediately available).

All campus community members also are encouraged to get a flu shot this season. While this will not protect you from COVID-19, the flu vaccine can reduce your risk of symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 and help save limited health care resources for the care of patients with COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Currently, SU is the only University System of Maryland institution with plans for students to return to campus following Thanksgiving. This is a testament to your hard work and dedication in following these precautions, which have helped keep our COVID-19 positivity rates under 1 percent for much of the semester.

Please remember that all students, faculty and staff returning to campus MUST have an SU-administered COVID-19 test the week after Thanksgiving, regardless of when your last test was. Those who do not will lose access to SU buildings and most services at the end of the day on Friday, December 4.

Testing registration for these dates, and for the rest of the semester, is available at www.calendly.com/Salisbury. Make sure you receive an immediate email confirmation from Calendly.

Also, please note that, beginning in December, all testing for the remainder of the semester will take place indoors. Testing from December 1-4 is scheduled at Maggs Physical Activities Center. Most other testing is scheduled at the Great Hall of Holloway Hall. Monday, November 23, will be the final day this semester for the outdoor testing center at Court Plaza.

After Thanksgiving, SU also provides free face masks for students, faculty and staff who need them, available at the Guerrieri Student Union Information Desk and Guerrieri Academic Commons Circulation Desk, and in the Great Hall (hours TBA).

Please do your part to help us finish the semester strong. Have a safe, happy, healthy and enjoyable break!