What tests do residential students need to provide when they move into residence halls in January?
Residential students are required to provide proof of a negative molecular PCR test that is performed between January 14-22, prior to gaining access to the residence halls and academic buildings on campus for the spring 2021 semester. Proof of a negative molecular PCR result can be submitted online through a “Spring 2021 Negative COVID Test Confirmation” form available in students’ MyHousing account (beginning Jan. 15). The University will not accept a rapid, same-day antigen test. Students should bring a hard copy of the COVID-19 test negative results to check-in. Free, drive-up COVID-19 testing is available at Holyoke Community College Mon., Wed., Fri., and Sat. from 7 to 11 a.m. and Tues. and Thurs. from 2 to 7 p.m. Testing locations, including several free options, are available throughout the Commonwealth. Please see the next FAQ for more information. In addition, residential students will be required to participate in weekly asymptomatic/surveillance testing beginning Jan 23-24. Click here to review the testing plan and schedule.
Residential students who have not either submitted their negative test result online in advance of their return or brought along a hard copy to onboard testing Jan. 23-24, will be directed to:
- Return home;
- get a negative test result;
- connect with Housing Operations for a sign-up time to return to campus the week of February 1; and
- participate in the University’s testing program the week of February 1.
Flu Vaccine Requirement Update: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has lifted its requirement that all students attending public state universities in Massachusetts need to provide proof of a flu vaccination. However, DPH continues to strongly recommend that everyone age six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year. For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/immunization-requirements-for-school-entry-0/download
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers COVID-19 testing at more than 300 locations across the state, including more than 30 free COVID-19 testing locations. This site also includes a link to an interactive statewide COVID-19 Test Site Locator, hosted by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. The state also maintains an additional list of COVID-19 testing locations, 99 percent of which accept MassHealth insurance.
What do commuters with on-campus courses during the spring semester need to provide prior to coming to campus?
Commuter students are not required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result prior to their return to campus for the Spring 2021 semester. Commuter students with at least one on-ground course will be required to participate in weekly asymptomatic/surveillance testing beginning Jan 24-25. Click here to review the testing plan and schedule.
Commuter students are required to provide their local off-campus address, if it is different than their permanent home address. This is necessary for any contact tracing activity that may be required during the semester. Addresses can be entered through students’ MyHousing account.
Flu Vaccine Requirement Update: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has lifted its requirement that all students attending public state universities in Massachusetts need to provide proof of a flu vaccination. However, DPH continues to strongly recommend that everyone age six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year. For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/immunization-requirements-for-school-entry-0/download
What happens if I skip/miss on-campus testing?
Not attending on-campus testing is not an option. If you do not test weekly, you will be temporarily suspended and be required to leave campus, be tested, and provide a negative test to student health services before permitted to return to campus.
Should I plan on participating in the University's testing program if I have recently tested positive and completed isolation protocols for COVID-19?
Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days are not required to produce a negative test result in advance of their return to campus, nor will they be required to participate in the University’s testing program until 90 days after their confirmed positive test. However, they should provide healthservices@westfield.me.edu with proof of the positive test result, so Health Services has that on file. For those residential students that completed their isolation protocol on campus, no proof of the positive test is required, as the University would already have that on file.
I have already been vaccinated for COVID-19. Do I still need to produce two negative tests?
Students who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 must still produce two negative tests prior to attending in-person classes and you are still expected to participate in the University’s testing program, as scheduled.
If I am sick after hours, who do I call? Is a nurse available 24/7?
Health Services is open Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm by appointment only. Please call 413-572-5415 during office hours to make an appointment. Please note that we do not check emails and/or voicemails after we have closed for the day. Should you have an emergency, please contact WSU Public Safety at 413-572-5262 or dial 911