Virus Action Team Update: Steps for returning to campus

Aggressive testing for COVID-19, along with completion of the daily self-assessment, social distancing and wearing face coverings are the best ways to protect and support the health of the Grand Valley community and surrounding communities. 

Action steps for returning to campus are below.

Returning to Campus 

Ten days prior to coming to campus, avoid parties and large gatherings. As always, practice social distancing and wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible. 

Students who live on campus or who are taking an in-person or hybrid class must do one of the following:

• 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 mentioned above for a 10-day period in your on- or off-campus residence.
• If you tested positive for COVID-19 after October 25, record the positive test result in your online self-assessment. You are not required to retest in January.

Repopulation testing 

Invitations are being emailed to students who live on campus, students scheduled to be in traditional or hybrid courses, faculty scheduled to teach traditional or hybrid courses, and public facing staff (as determined by appointing officers). 

• January 11-14 (5,000 testing slots will be available)
• January 18-21 (3,000 testing slots will be available)
• Faculty and staff are encouraged to get tested early to help level the testing load throughout the period.
• Surveillance testing will resume the week of January 25.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Members of the GVSU Virus Action Team are working with regional and state health authorities and the West Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Collaborative to set up a vaccination program for the GVSU community. As details are finalized, information will be emailed and also posted on the Lakers Together vaccine web page.

• GVSU has requested a set of doses based on the number of faculty, staff and students, but has not received any vaccine doses yet. 
• Vaccinations will be introduced according to phases set by the state. For details, see the Michigan Vaccination Phases and Priority Groups.
• If you have an underlying medical condition, please reach out to your primary care physician or health department to obtain information about how to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination when they become available.