Random testing is in full swing

Our random testing is taking place this week, and we expect to test around 500 students weekly, as mentioned on our dashboard. With random testing, we may find students who test positive for COVID. In those cases, the Student Health Service will provide guidance on what that student needs to do.

We have a contact tracing process that takes place for students who test positive. But what should your student do if a friend tells them they just tested positive (before the contact tracer has reached out to them?) We asked this of the Student Health Service, and they said:

If you think you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, please report this on the SneezSafe screening tool, rather than calling or emailing the Student Health Service. However, if you have already completed your SneezSafe for the day, email traceshs@wfu.edu to say you may have been exposed.

You do not need to call the Student Health Service unless you have symptoms.

While you are waiting to receive guidance from Student Health Service or a contact tracer, you should quarantine (which means staying in your room and not socializing with others). You can get grab-and-go food or order in; please do not eat with others. You can go out of your room to use the bathroom; do not congregate or go in groups.  A “contact tracer” will contact you to determine next steps.

NOTE: Do not worry if you do not hear from a contact tracer right away; it can take up to 24 hours.

While I hope none of your Deacs need that information, please keep it handy. We also ask that you refrain from contacting Student Health Service about testing policy or processes so that medical staff remain available to address personal health issues. There is a great Random Testing FAQ on Our Way Forward, or you can reach out to the Call Center; we are staying open this weekend and can take your questions on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-2 pm Eastern (336-758-7500).

In other news, today’s issue of Your Corona Chronicles will be sent out to students sometime later today; it will be posted on our Latest Communications page of Our Way Forward once ready. The following message was sent to first-year students by the Office of Residence Life and Housing with opportunities for on-campus viewing of the Wake Forest-Clemson football game. As a reminder, all students can get information about the various College GameDay and football activities here.

As we near the end of the week, remember that our goal is to stay mellow, and keep it in the yellow.

— by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)