Reminder on Testing Center, Symptom Screening, and Vaccinations

Dear Wheaton Community,

We hope you are well and join us in looking forward to the start of a new semester! We wanted to send out a few updates and reminders in preparation for student check-in and the start of the semester.  Please be sure to review the information below in its entirety, including information regarding the change in the testing center location, expectations around symptom screening, and a reminder about vaccinations.

Testing Center – Change in Location

The campus COVID-19 Testing Center has officially moved to its Fall 2021 location.  For all future testing appointments, please go to the Game Room connected to the Atrium, on the first floor of Balfour-Hood Campus Center.  As a reminder, all faculty, staff, and students are expected to test weekly as we start the fall semester. 

Students must sign-up for their arrival appointment following the instructions sent by Ed Burnett in his August 5 email.  However, after that initial arrival test, all students must use the CoVerified App to schedule their weekly appointment.  We would encourage you to schedule your appointments in advance so that you can get the time slot that works best for you.

Symptom Screening 

Symptom screening will continue to be an essential part of COVID-19 mitigation on campus.  All community members on campus are required to submit a daily symptom check on the CoVerified App before leaving your residence hall room or coming to campus each day.  Students living on campus who are experiencing symptoms must not leave their room and should contact Norton Medical Center. Students and employees living off-campus who are experiencing symptoms should not come to campus and should contact Norton Medical Center (if a student) or their primary care physician for the next steps.

It is important to note the recent wave of breakthrough COVID-19 cases across the country.  People who are fully vaccinated have still contracted the virus, though in many cases, have experienced more mild symptoms.  Do not ignore your symptoms, take care of yourself, and protect the community.  

Positive Test Result within the last 90 days

In accordance with CDC guidance, people who have received a positive test for COVID-19 should not test for 90 days following that test result.  As such, please email [email protected] if you have tested positive for COVID-19 since May 15, 2021 to discuss what this testing exemption may mean for you.

Vaccination Requirement

The COVID-19 vaccination is required for all faculty, staff, and students for the fall semester.  Those unvaccinated or under-vaccinated are required to wear a face-covering or mask at all times while on campus (indoors and out).  As policies are reconsidered throughout the year, it is likely that these and other additional restrictions and policies will remain in place for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals.

Students should have already submitted proof of vaccination to [email protected].  Students will not be able to check-in without submitting this proof of vaccination, receiving an exemption, or otherwise communicating with Health Services in advance.

Faculty, staff, and volunteers must comply with the college’s vaccination policy for employees and are required to submit proof of vaccination (or receive an exemption) by August 31, 2021, by following the instructions available on the Return to Campus webpage.  Please contact Human Resources with any questions.

We look forward to a healthy and safe start to the new academic year!  Please contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Stay safe and be well,

COVID Testing Team

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