To Our Undergraduates:
As Case Western Reserve approaches the end of in-person classes, COVID-19 case counts are setting new records across Ohio and throughout the country.
After two months of consistently low case numbers on our own campus, the past two weeks have begun to see steady increases—including some connected to small social gatherings around Halloween and the election.
With many of you planning to head home later this month, your efforts to reduce transmission risk could not be more important—not only for the well-being of your family, but also those of other students with whom you interact. Keep wearing masks and maintaining physical distance, thoroughly wash hands and disinfect surfaces and, finally, contact University Health Services at 216.368.2450 if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
Starting next week, Case Western Reserve will offer exit testing at the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center for students leaving campus for the rest of the semester.
We highly recommend testing three to six days before your departure date, and at least 48 hours prior to an international flight. Please note that the university cannot guarantee turnaround time for results—with any test. Also, be aware that individuals with a positive result will not be able to continue with their travel plans, per public health guidelines.
Students may schedule a saliva test through myhealthconnect.case.edu or walk in for testing. Additional information about the testing process, including scheduling and testing times, can be found on our COVID-19 testing page. Walk-in testing ends 20 minutes prior to the close of testing for that day.
Please remember that a test reflects just one point in time. The virus may be contracted before, during or after travel. Students should continue to wear masks, wash their hands, and distance from others.
After arriving at their final destinations, students should consider self-quarantining for a period of two weeks. A repeat test may also be considered. Additional advice for traveling home can be found on our website.
Students traveling for the November break and then returning to campus are also welcome to schedule testing during the next two weeks. Again, we ask that students consider their travel and possible exposures carefully. Students who are exposed or travel to a state on the Ohio Travel Advisory list will be required to complete a 14-day quarantine prior to their return to campus.
Please stay safe, and well.
Lou Stark
Vice President for Student Affairs
Sara Lee, MD
Executive Director for University Health and Counseling Services