As more students and faculty members choose to get the vaccine, the number of individuals tested for COVID-19 at the University of Idaho’s Student Recreation Center each week is going down, according to a memo from President Scott Green Monday.
However, results from surveillance testing the past week indicated a 3.6% positivity rate among both symptomatic and asymptomatic students and employees, in addition their close contacts, according to data on the university’s COVID-19 website.
Of the 17 positive test results received last week, Green stated those cases “appear to be mostly people who live off campus.” A total of 474 swabs were processed from April 10-16, according to the website.
“We are just four weeks from commencement and the start of summer session,” Green stated in the memo. “Protocols at all our sites statewide will not change drastically for the summer.”
While the state remains in Phase 3 of Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s reopening plan, the university plans to continue on campus COVID-19 protocols for the summer. However, there will not be mandatory testing of all students.
UI will continue providing free symptomatic testing for those who need it, Green stated. More details about the summer session will be released this week.
In other business, Green stated employees who haven’t returned to their pre-pandemic workspace and who don’t already have approved “flexplace” accommodations must return to their in-person workspace by July 1.
“Your patience is appreciated as we transition back to a more normal workflow,” Green stated. “We continue to monitor what is happening in our state and region and receive guidance from Idaho Public Health.”
Everyone age 16 and older in Idaho is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Schedule an appointment on the state’s registration website.
Angela Palermo can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @apalermotweets