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Return-to-Campus Testing Information (Spring 2021)

Jan. 13, 2021

Dear SLU students and parents,

As we get closer to the start of the semester, I want to take the opportunity to remind you about our required return-to-campus COVID-19 testing for all residential students, and answer some of your most frequently asked questions. Also, I have included our faculty and staff on this email, so they too are aware of our return-to-campus testing plans.

Students who live in on-campus housing must be tested before moving back into their residential prior to spring semester. We are offering testing from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in one-hour blocks every day from Jan. 22 through Jan. 27. Testing will take place at the Simon Recreation Center basketball courts.

We strongly encourage you to be tested for the COVID-19 infection prior to leaving your hometown, where you can remain with your family should you test positive. Please contact your local public health department to identify testing sites in your hometown.

If you get tested within 72 hours of your arrival at Simon Rec and can provide proof of a negative result, you will not need to be tested again. I’ve included more information below about how that process will work.

For this return-to-campus testing, we are using the Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen test. Results will be available within 15 minutes. This is a simple nasal swab test provided to SLU by the state of Missouri. It is not as flinch-inducing for most people as a nasopharyngeal swab.

Students who live in on-campus housing should register for testing if you haven’t already. Students who test negative will receive a sticker to place on your student ID. ResLife staff will be looking for that sticker in order for you to move in.

Students who test positive will be able drive back home alone to spend 10 days of isolation in the comfort of their family. Or they will immediately be transported to on-campus isolation housing for that time period.

Here are some reminders and common questions that students have asked since our last testing communication:

I hope these points help you and your families make decisions about moving back to campus. We are excited to have you back. As always, please emailpandemic@slu.eduif you have any additional questions.

Stay safe and healthy.

Terri Rebmann, Ph.D., RN, CIC, FAPIC
Special Assistant to the President
Director, Institute for Biosecurity
Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics
College for Public Health & Social Justice