Dear Students,
In Student Affairs, we’re so excited for all that’s to come in the next few weeks. Though we’re in the final stretch of the semester, there is no shortage of exciting events coming to campus — and we want to make sure you’re able to safely enjoy them. From Spring Day and all that comes with it to end-of-year award ceremonies and commencement, it’s going to be a great time to be on campus.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, here are some helpful tips you should remember as we see cases of COVID-19 tick up on campus and across the country.
Get tested if you’re not well
The screening testing program (STP) is typically open on Mondays and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the lobby of Adamian but will be closed on Monday for the holiday. Remember to not get tested at STP if you’re showing any signs of a COVID-19 infection. If you are showing any symptoms, or think you may have COVID, contact the Health Center at 781-891-2222 or GA_Healthcenter@Bentley.edu to schedule a test outside of STP. You can also call the Health Center to schedule a walk-in COVID PCR test, no need to see a clinician, just do your COVID swab and leave. Your results will be available the next day. The Health Center can also offer rapid COVID tests during a scheduled visit as part of a clinical evaluation. Rapid tests are also available for purchase at Falcon Market in Collins.
It’s important that you don’t wait for the screening test program to be opened to get tested, especially if you’re showing symptoms. Make sure to get tested any time you’re not well so that you don’t miss out on any of the upcoming campus activities. As noted, the Health Center is available to test you as well as offer you a full visit for evaluation and treatment.
Be thoughtful of your contacts and consider masking
To put yourself at the lowest possible risk of infection before Spring Day and the other fun events coming up, be mindful of your surroundings and consider wearing a mask in an overly crowded area. Testing positive is never fun, but taking a few precautions like masking indoors and being cautious in public spaces can reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Masking preferences
Masks aren’t required on campus except for in the Health Center, Counseling Center, STP and the shuttle, but that doesn’t mean that many community members aren’t still wearing them. Some might wear them for their personal protection or because they have a family member who’s at a high risk for severe illness. And others might wear them because they’re finishing up the last few days of their isolation period following a positive test result, when they can be out in public spaces but still need to mask.
The best mask is one that fits you well and that you can wear correctly and consistently. Whatever the reason for masking, make sure you’re respectful of others’ choices and always have a mask on you in case you’re asked to wear one in their space.
Again, there is so much to come as we round out the semester, and we can’t wait to continue supporting these great events. Be sure to do your part to stay healthy so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!
Julia Matthews, MSN, MPH
Director, Health Center
COVID-19
