Pictured Above: Boxes for COVID tests on the side of the Student Life Center.
Patrick Tobin | The Crow’s Nest
By Edyn Gottlieb
With the fall semester in full swing, random COVID-19 testing has begun. On Aug. 31, the university sent an email to all students detailing the plan to begin random testing.
Two weeks after classes began, USF St. Petersburg reported no new cases. Tampa reported 17 new student cases and three USF Health employee cases, while Sarasota-Manatee reported no new cases since Sept. 1. Florida recorded 16, 740 cases during the same time period.
“We have no campus residential students in quarantine,” Regional Chancellor Martin Tadlock wrote in his weekly update.
Upon returning to campus, students agreed to enter a pool for random testing.
Tests are free for the selected students and, if picked, students will receive an email with instructions on how to proceed. Those with positive test results will be required to self-isolate until medically cleared.
If you are selected, you can refuse to be tested. If you decline, you may be asked to self-isolate and remain off campus for two weeks as well as being subject to disciplinary action.
In addition to random testing, USF is requiring a daily symptom check to return to campus and is conducting environmental sampling of high-touch surfaces.
USF St. Petersburg’s dean of students Jake Diaz sent out an email Friday thanking students for their continued efforts.
“You have been adaptable and conscientious about co-creating a community that is safe for all,” the email said.
Visit the USF COVID-19 website for further updates on campus safety protocols.
