TO: University of Idaho Students, Faculty and Staff
FROM: Scott Green, President
Torrey Lawrence, Provost and Executive Vice President
DATE: Jan. 11, 2021
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Testing Appointments Available
More than 1,800 Vandals made their way to the Student Recreation Center last week to be tested for COVID-19 before classes start. Thank you to everyone who scheduled early. Appointments are still available for students as well as faculty and staff. Moscow-based students must be tested before participating in in-person instructional activities and all those living in Housing and Residential Life must be tested no matter your class delivery methods.
Last week’s tests resulted in a 1.77% positivity rate as we kick off the semester. We expect this could rise as people return to campus and have been preparing to mitigate the spread and care for those who test positive. Testing is key to keeping our community safe, which is why we will reward 50 students on the Moscow campus with $100 VandalStore gift cards for getting tested before the end of the day Tuesday, Jan. 12. All those who tested beginning Jan. 6 in Moscow, or who provided documentation of testing elsewhere in that same timeframe, will be entered to win a gift card.
Vaccines are being distributed across the country. While the general university population will not be eligible for vaccination until later this spring, Vandals who work in healthcare or other priority areas are currently being vaccinated. Vaccination does not reduce the expectations of the Healthy Vandal Pledge. Face coverings are still required in all university buildings and outside when 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained.
We are excited to begin classes and despite the challenges before us, know that the shared Vandal experience makes us all stronger. The stresses of life will continue to push us. We have a duty to take care of each other. If you are concerned about someone, file a VandalCARE report. If you are a student needing support, contact the Counseling and Testing Center at 208-885-6716. Faculty and staff needing assistance should use the free and confidential EAP resources available through your benefits.
If you have questions about testing or other COVID-19-related matters, email covid19questions@uidaho.edu. The COVID-19 website is updated regularly and provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
We need to stay vigilant to keep COVID-19 from beating us. We know we can remain in person this spring through thoughtful actions. This weekend is a holiday weekend – please plan your activities with the health and safety of your Vandal Family in mind. Your actions will help us set the stage for successfully navigating the next five months.
Keep Calm and Vandal On.
Scott Green
President
president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president
Torrey Lawrence
Provost and Executive Vice President
provost@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/provost
