COVID-19 Update: March 18

Bengals,

After more than two years of navigating the pandemic and ever-evolving operations, this week’s COVID-19 report arrives with a lot of hope ahead. New case trends across the State of Idaho are down, and the situation on our campuses has significantly improved from the peak we experienced two months ago. While we are not yet moving away from our established disease mitigation principles and practices, our University is focused on the future and increased stability.

All counties with Idaho State campuses and outreach centers now have a COVID-19 Community Level of low or medium. This means that face coverings are optional indoors at our University locations. There are some in the campus community who will choose to continue wearing a mask, and everyone should feel supported as they make personal decisions about masks for their own health and well-being.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 levels and adjust as needed. The University’s COVID-19 email updates will transition to an as-needed basis. In the absence of regular emails, I encourage all members of our campus community to regularly check the Roaring Back website. I will send a timely email if the public health situation changes and communication is needed.

Idaho State University's Operational Levels

Pocatello

Bannock County

Community Level: Low

Masks optional

Idaho Falls

Bonneville County

Community Level: Low

Masks optional

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage Borough

Community Level: Low

Masks optional

Meridian

Ada County

Community Level: Low

Masks optional

Caldwell

Canyon County

Community Level: Low

Masks optional

Twin Falls

Twin Falls County

Community Level: Medium

Masks optional

The University’s operational levels are influenced by CDC data, which is released weekly on Thursdays.

Operational Updates and Reminders

The University’s on-campus screening site will remain operational in the Vocational Arts Building on the Pocatello campus. Members of our campus community who are traveling over Spring Break are welcome to visit the site for pre- or post-travel testing. The turnaround time for tests is typically 24 hours. In addition to our on-campus screening site, COVID-19 tests are readily available at a number of community clinics and pharmacies. Every home in the U.S. is also eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests free of charge.

The University Health Committee will continue to conduct contact tracing. Faculty, staff, and students should fill out the Self-Report Form if they have tested positive or are symptomatic, and our Isolation and Quarantine Guidance will remain in place.

Even though face coverings are optional at Idaho State, masks may still be required in our on-campus clinics and healthcare facilities.

Vaccinations and boosters are available at Bengal Pharmacy and a number of pharmacies in the community. Visit the Roaring Back Vaccination webpage for more information.

I am both hopeful and excited to move forward as a Bengal community. These past two years have been difficult, but it has also provided an opportunity for our University to come together and focus on why we are here. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and grateful for all of you.

––Kevin

Kevin Satterlee

President

This communication was sent to Idaho State University students.

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