Dear Students,
It is a relief to learn that overall COVID-19 cases are decreasing in Michigan and across the nation. We are still in a pandemic, however, and we must continue to take care to keep ourselves and others safe. Thank you for all YOU are doing to mitigate the spread of the virus on campus, at home and in the community. Every action you take to help slow the spread of COVID-19, no matter how small or insignificant it seems, makes a difference.
This week’s OC CARES communication includes the following information:
- Free KN95 Masks Available at Heath & Wellness Center & “How To” Video
- COVID-19 Testing Available for Students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- Don’t Forget: FREE COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Clinics
- Order Your FREE COVID-19 At-Home Test Kit
- Statewide COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Resources
Free KN95 Masks Available at Heath & Wellness Center
As we all know, COVID-19 is highly contagious. Health experts are encouraging Americans to upgrade their masks from cloth face coverings to an N95 or KN95 mask.
In an effort to make it easier for students, faculty and staff to upgrade their masks, FREE KN95 masks are available in the Health & Wellness Center (HWC), Mott 212A, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many retailers and pharmacies, including Meijer and Kroger, are also offering free masks as part of the federal government distribution program.
KN95 masks reduce the wearer’s exposure to particles, filtering out 95% of airborne particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets. When properly fitted, KN95 masks allow minimal leakage around the edges.
Things to Know About KN95 Masks
- KN95 masks are not a daily disposable mask.
- Under normal circumstances, a KN95 mask can be worn three days/times. You may get a new mask every fourth day from the HWC. For example, if you picked one mask up today you would wear it for three days and on the 4th day go to the HWC to dispose of your mask and get a new one.
- The mask should form a seal around your entire nose and mouth.
- Do not reuse a mask that is soiled, contaminated or the straps become loose.
- Do not wash the mask or place it in a microwave or oven in an attempt to clean or sterilize.
- Do store the mask in a sealed plastic container (such as a food container) or brown paper bag between uses.
- Do wash or sanitize your hands before handling the mask, placing it on your face or removing.
How to Correctly Use Your KN95 Mask
Check out the short video below on the proper use of your KN95 mask. Note: the straps on your NK95 may differ from those in the video, but proper wearing of the mask is the same.
COVID-19 Testing Available for Students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
COVID-19 Testing Available for Students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
COVID-19 testing for students who are on campus and require a test is available at the Health & Wellness Center (HWC), Mott 212A, weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Testing is by appointment only. The residential life team will work with students to arrange testing on one of these three days. In addition, home testing or other off-campus testing is an option if preferred or for days of the week when the HWC is not open for testing. Important: The College will not reimburse students for any off-campus testing fees. (See OC CARES Pandemic Response Plan, page 4.)
Students MUST contact Campus Safety (269-749-7911) FIRST if you experience COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of the day of the week.
Don’t Forget: FREE COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Clinics
- When: Feb. 11 and March 3
- Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Upton Gym
- Who: Any student, faculty or staff member
An appointment is not required, however, scheduling in advance will save you time and allow for the Barry Eaton District Health Department to approximate the number of vaccinations needed for the day. Click here to find the The University of Olivet vaccine clinic dates and vaccination schedule. If scheduling your appointment in advance you will be asked which vaccine you prefer and if this is your first or second shot or a booster.
Pfizer and Moderna Shots Will Be Offered
- The Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations are administered in two parts and require that you return on March 3 for a follow-up shot.
- Click here to learn about the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations.
It is also important that you stay up to date on your protection against the virus by getting a booster shot when eligible.
- Pfizer: At least 5 months after your second shot.
- Moderna: At least 5 months after your second shot.
- Johnson & Johnson: At least 2 months after your shot. Good news: You are eligible to receive the Pfizer or Moderna booster shot.
- If you are receiving a booster shot, be sure to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card.
Order Your FREE COVID-19 At-Home Test Kit?
Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order four FREE FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests will be shipped by the U.S. Postal Service generally within 7-12 days after you place your order. The goal is by having home tests available at any time, we can all help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. By testing early and within the confines of our home, we will lessen the spread of the virus.
Click here to order your free COVID-19 tests.
Tips
- We encourage you and your family to order your test kit now so you have them when the need arises. (See below: “When Should You Take a Test.”)
- Have the tests shipped to your permanent residence to ensure you receive them.
- If additional tests are needed and you have health insurance, your insurance will also cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home tests you purchase at a store (up to 8 at-home tests per month for each person on the insurance plan).
When Should You Take a Test
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take an at-home test:
- If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
- At least five days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
- When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, such as before and after spring break trips where you will be interacting with large groups of people.
Statewide COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Resources
A number of COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites can be found in communities across the state. Click below to find an off-campus testing or vaccination site.
Click here to find a COVID-19 testing site.
Click here to find a COVID-19 vaccination site.
“With each day, I give thanks for the blessings of life—the blessings of another day and the chance to do something with it. Something good. Something significant. Something helpful. No matter how small it might seem. I want to keep making a difference.” — Mamie Till-Mobley, American educator, activist and mother of Emmett Till