Iowa State University health facilities prepare for a possible increase in COVID-19 cases. | Pixabay
Iowa State University health facilities prepare for a possible increase in COVID-19 cases. | Pixabay
The start of the 2020-2021 academic year is unique in that COVID-19 concerns dominate the usual first day jitters students and educators have.
Thielen Student Health Center and Mary Greeley Medical Center on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames are preparing for a likely cascade of positive COVID-19 cases.
While neither Iowa nor Ames have a mask mandate, the university requires face coverings.
ISU’s battle against the coronavirus begins as students set foot on campus. Students residing on campus are required to undergo testing conducted by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, with results becoming available within 24 hours, the Iowa State Daily reported.
Those who test positive will either be sent home to isolate or quarantine in Linden Hall.
The Iowa State Daily reported that Thielen has implemented a contract tracing plan in hopes of curbing community spread.
Deanna Sargent, Thielen’s communications and marketing director, told the publication that her facility has and continues to evaluate several metrics.
Alerts Sign-up