Weekly Testing Update – March 18, 2021

Dear FSU Community,

The University administered 751 COVID19 tests on Monday and Tuesday this week, resulting in 2 positives. There were no on-campus close contacts for either individual. All of our latest data is now viewable on our COVID19 Dashboard.

I hope you have noticed the focus of these weekly updates shifting to the critical importance of getting vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. The vaccines are safe, free, and very effective against COVID19 and they represent a chance for a return to normal. In the Commonwealth of MA, now everyone can [I hope you have noticed the focus of these weekly updates shifting to the critical importance of getting vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. The vaccines are safe, free, and very effective against COVID19 and they represent a chance for a return to normal. The state 's vaccine website is the best resource for information on the rollout of vaccines in Massachusetts, including who is currently eligible, how you can sign up or pre-register, and locations where you can get vaccinated.] pre-register for the vaccine, regardless of when you are eligible to schedule an appointment. It 's a simple process that takes less than five minutes. Once pre-registered, the state will contact you directly when you become eligible to make an appointment.

The state's vaccine website is the best resource for information on the rollout of vaccines in Massachusetts, including who is currently eligible, how you can sign up or pre-register, and locations where you can get vaccinated.

In addition to all those currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Baker on Wednesday announced the timeline for vaccine eligibility for the remainder of the population:

  • Starting Monday, March 22, public-facing workers such as grocery store employees and transit and sanitation workers, as well as residents aged 60 and over
  • Starting Monday, April 5, anyone aged 55 and over, as well as anyone with one comorbidity
  • The general public aged 16 and older starting Monday, April 19.

Massachusetts has updated its Travel Advisory to exempt those who are fully vaccinated from having to quarantine or obtain a negative test upon their return to Massachusetts if they visit a state deemed at high risk for COVID19. I encourage everyone to review the advisory for additional details.

Please be aware that until we reach a critical mass of the population being fully vaccinated, we will maintain our strict safety guidelines on campus. Therefore, all those who are fully vaccinated should continue to wear face masks indoors and outdoors at FSU, practice social distancing, participate in COVID testing if requested, and avoid large gatherings. Monitor your health daily whether or not you 've been vaccinated, and if you are showing any symptoms, no matter how mild, you should contact the Health Center.

Stay safe,

Javier