Virus Action Team update: Testing plan for January 2021 return to campus

GVSU has an aggressive testing plan for the return to campus for the Winter 2021 semester. 

Below is new information on testing, travel and length of quarantine.

DECEMBER TESTING

• The final week for surveillance testing (for those without symptoms or exposure) will be December 14-17.
• Invitations to test are being sent to students in face-to-face courses, faculty teaching those courses, and staff members working on campus.
• Individuals who have symptoms or are exposed should use the daily self-assessment to report, so they can be directed to testing at our separate clinic on the Allendale Campus. The symptomatic clinic will be open by appointment through December 18. 

QUARANTINE

Through our partnerships with local public health officials, GVSU provides notices when criteria for release from isolation or quarantine are met. Recently, the CDC released options for shorter quarantine periods.

• Following communication with public health officials, beginning December 10, GVSU will pilot a 10-day quarantine period for those who meet CDC criteria. More information about this option can be found on the Lakers Togethers website.
• The 14-day quarantine period following the last day of exposure remains the standard quarantine period.

TRAVEL

Travel can increase your chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. Postponing travel is the best way to protect yourself and others.

• GVSU will maintain current business travel protocols for the Winter semester.
• View GVSU Personal Travel Guidance and additional CDC guidelines for travel. 

ACTION STEPS FOR JANUARY 2021 RETURN TO CAMPUS

10 days prior to coming to campus, avoid parties and large gatherings, practice social distancing, and wear masks when social distancing is not possible. 

Students who live on campus or who are taking an in-person or hybrid class must:

• Get tested prior to returning to campus. Document your results in the online self-assessment portal.
• If unable to test before your return, test after returning to campus. 
• During this time, “Stay Safe” and only leave your residence to attend class or for food, medicine or work, with appropriate masking and social distancing until you receive your test results. 
• Document your results in the online self-assessment portal.
• If you choose not to be tested, you must follow the “Stay Safe” guidelines above for a 10-day period in your on- or off-campus residence.

Repopulation testing for students, faculty and staff will occur over a three-week period:

• January 5-7 (5,000 testing slots will be available)
• January 11-14 (5,000 testing slots will be available)
• January 18-21 (3,000 testing slots will be available)

Testing invitations for the first two weeks of January will be emailed December 22. 

• Invitations will be sent to students who live on campus, students scheduled to be in traditional or hybrid courses in winter semester, faculty scheduled to teach traditional or hybrid courses in winter semester, and public facing staff (as determined by appointing officers). 
• Faculty and staff are encouraged to get tested in the first two weeks to help level the testing load throughout the period.
• Surveillance testing will resume the week of January 25.

Students, faculty and staff should continue to complete the online self-assessment each day throughout the holiday break and when returning to campus. Data from the self-assessments will be used to email invitations to test.