Weekly COVID-19 Briefing 11/24/2020- Travel Edition

Travel Requirements and Orders   

As the semester ends and the holidays begins, we realize that a number of members of to community will need to travel.  Please remember that employees (including Graduate Assistants and Student Workers) working on campus over the long break between the terms are still required to heed the  Governor’s Travel Order and should coordinate their return to on-campus work with their supervisor as to comply with state mandates. 

Travel Planning 

As you plan your travel we’ve provided a planning to-do list to assist you with your departure and return: 

•  Minimize exposure to COVID-19 in the weeks leading up to your travel and your return.  This means avoiding gatherings, minimizing errands and shopping, and spending more time at home to avoid illness. 
•   Stay healthy by observing the above, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting good rest. 
•   Know your destination COVID-19 requirements.  This information will help inform your testing or quarantine plan. 
•  Make a testing or quarantine plan.  Many destinations are requiring travelers to quarantine upon arrival for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test sampled within 72 hours of travel.
  
•   The State has a website devoted to tracking COVID-19 testing locations: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-i-get-a-test?- 
  •  “Stop the Spread” Test Sites – are located in communities that have high positivity rates relative to the rest of the Commonwealth and are generally free regardless of insurance status. 
  •   General Public Test Sites – are available throughout the Commonwealth and generally require an appointment (some may require a physician referral). 
•    Questions to ask when getting a COVID-19 Test for travel: 
  • Do I need an appointment to get tested? Many testing locations do require an appointment but a few offer drop-in testing. This is denoted on the interactive map found on the State’s COVID-10 Testing website. 
  • Is the test a PCR test?– Most states and international destinations are requiring a negative PCR test result. 
  • What is the turn-around time for getting results?– Most states and international destinations are requiring a negative test result from a sample collected no later than 72 hours prior to travel. 
  • What is the cost or will my insurance be billed for my test?– This varies across the Commonwealth. Generally, physician referred testing is covered by insurance but there are a number of “Stop the Spread” Testing sites that provide free testing regardless of insurance status.  It is important to ask the testing site what you will be charged directly and what your insurance will be billed. 

•   Be sure to pack extra masks, use hand sanitizer, and frequently wash your hands.  This will help minimize your own exposure throughout your travel and lessen the risk of carrying COVID home to your loved ones.   

Symptom, Support, and On-duty Nurse   

COVID Health Services and Supports are available over the Thanksgiving holiday and through the end of finals on December 4th. The COVID Symptoms and Support line will remain monitored by the on-duty nurse. 

Students should call 617-745-3777 to receive instructions and request a consultation. 

Instructions for Students: 

• Call the On-Duty Nurse Line and leave your first/last name and a callback number. 
• Stay in your room (except to go to the restroom). 
• Even if you are restricted because you accidentally submitted a symptom, you must still call the On-Duty Nurse Line for assistance, but you may leave your room. 

Instead of emailing or calling Health Services for potential COVID-19 symptoms or CoVerified restrictions, please follow the instructions above. Thank you for your cooperation. 

COVID Resource Hub   

Have questions about campus COVID protocols? Wonder what isolation or quarantine housing involves?  Have questions about testing?  You are in luck!  We have created a COVID Info Student Center on SharePoint.  Click the link below and peruse all the latest information. https://encedu.sharepoint.com/sites/COVIDCenter-ENC 

Online Resources 

The College continues to maintain an active website with timely information related to COVID-19 and institutional response.  This informative site can be found at: https://enc.edu/opening-plans/ 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

We are thankful for our ENC Family and grateful for God’s hand of provision and protection over our community.  We pray that in this season of thankfulness you have time to pause and reflect on the blessings in your life.  Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

Blessings to you on behalf of the Emergency Response Team,

Jeffrey Kirksey
Vice President for Student Life and Campus Services
 
23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, MA 02170-2999
www.enc.edu
617-745-3718