Before You Head Home for Thanksgiving

Dear Students,

#BradleyUnite

Our goal has been to make it to Thanksgiving break on campus and we are almost there. It wouldn’t have happened without your willingness to be a part of the solution. Thank you!

With that said, we have recently seen an uptick in our positive COVID-19 cases and quarantine numbers across campus. So, as many of you prepare to head home for the rest of the semester, we want to bring your attention to some additional support and important precautions to help you stay healthy over these next 9 days.

COVID-19 Testing Changes

If you would like to take a COVID-19 test before heading home, you may do so at Bradley Health Services. Asymptomatic testing will be open to any student during the week of November 16. You must schedule your test in advance by logging on here. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis and are of no cost to you. Results should be returned within 24 - 48 hours. There are other testing sites in the area, but these locations are currently taking three days or more to return results.

As a reminder, testing reflects only one point in time. A negative test should not be a replacement for preventative measures or other efforts to minimize exposure as you head home or when you are home.

If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms call Bradley Health Services at 309-677-2700 to schedule an appointment.

Flu Shots

There are still 200 flu shots available on campus. Contact Bradley Health Services at 309-677-2700 or email bradleyhealthservices@bradley.edu to schedule your appointment. Shots are only $1.

Know Before You Go

The CDC has provided guidance on travel during the pandemic. Of particular importance as you leave for Thanksgiving may be:

• Review the data for virus prevalence in your local community and if you plan to travel, make sure you know what restrictions are in place at your final destination. Some communities and other states have specific restrictions and testing requirements.
• Don’t travel if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
• If you travel in a car with others outside of your household (your household includes your family and your Bradley roommates or housemates) wear a mask and sit in the back seat if someone else is driving.
• Consider a self-quarantine before you head home.
• Consider a self-quarantine when you get home and get tested once you arrive.

Most importantly, we encourage you to consider your own personal situation and to talk with your family about your return home.

While You Are Away

The Bradley University Police Department has created a list of services and tips to help you prepare to leave campus for Winter Break. Click here to learn more about the Vacation House Watch program, where to leave parked cars, how to stop mail delivery and more.

We will discontinue the Daily Symptom Tracker after November 20 and will resume its use in January. There have been more than 100,000 completions of the tracker during the fall. Thank you for participating!

We hope you enjoy the upcoming break. Spend time with your family, take time away from classes and find opportunities to relax and recharge. As the old McDonald’s slogan once said, You deserve a break today. Take it and enjoy it!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

–Sent to all Students on 11/12/2020