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Fall classes begin with new health safety measures

USF students, faculty and staff returning to campus this fall will be required to follow a number of safety guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Daily Symptom Check

This survey will be emailed directly to individuals who stated on the Return to Campus COVID-19 assessment that they will visit campus daily. The Daily Symptom Check must be completed prior to arriving on campus or leaving residence halls.  

Questions include:

  • In the last 24 hours, have you been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
  • In the last 24 hours, have you been tested for COVID-19?
  • Are you feeling physically fine today?

 (If answered no, participants will be asked several follow-up questions regarding specific symptoms of COVID-19.)

If cleared to return to campus, the individual will receive a green check mark at the end of the survey and a link to retrieve a CampusPass, which is dated and in the form of a QR code. Individuals may be asked to show the CampusPass when visiting USF’s campuses. Those who do not receive a green check mark will be instructed to stay home and notify their instructor or supervisor. Student Health Services will be automatically notified, and a representative will contact the individual and advise next steps.


Face coverings required

All students, faculty and staff must wear face coverings, such as cloth masks, at all times, unless in an enclosed private office or residence hall room. The use of face coverings is strongly recommended while off-campus as well and is required when city or county ordinances so dictate. USF will provide a washable cloth face covering to those who need one.


Physical distancing

Buildings and classrooms have been reconfigured and signage has been installed to promote six feet of physical distancing. Many doors, stairwells and hallways are now one-way, with foot traffic guided by directional arrows. Elevators will operate at a limited capacity, many permitting no more than two people at a time. It’s recommended students use outdoor spaces to study when possible.


Hygiene and disinfection

Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible or use a personal hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Hand sanitizer vending machines are now available at several locations across USF’s campuses. These machines will provide two complimentary 4-ounce bottles of spray hand sanitizer every 30 days by swiping a valid USF identification card. The bottles are intended to be the primary disinfectant of personal space used across the campuses, including at individual desks. The solution is self-drying and does not require paper towels.


COVID-19 testing

At regular intervals, students, faculty and staff returning to campus will be placed in a pool for random COVID-19 testing, which is being implemented as an important part of the disease mitigation strategy. Individuals who are selected will be notified by email with information on how and where to get tested. Participants will not be charged. Those with test results that come back positive will be contacted and instructed to self-isolate until medically cleared.

Additional information on USF’s efforts to promote safety on campus can be found here.
The complete Student Guide for Fall 2020 can be found here.

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