As the holiday season approaches and family gatherings are on the horizon, mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is on the forefront of the minds of many of us. As part of Dixie State University’s commitment to contributing to these efforts, we will make weekly COVID-19 testing available to all students as well as faculty and staff, based on availability. In accordance with Governor Herbert’s executive order on this matter, the University will particularly encourage students who live on campus or attend at least one in-person class to participate in the weekly testing.
Dixie State is continuing to work with the State of Utah to receive the test kits and details as we implement the best course of action moving forward. While we don’t know all the specifics at this time, we do know that the nasal swab tests will be available on campus, results will be available in 15 minutes, members of the University community will not incur any fees, their privacy will be maintained throughout the process, and anyone who does test positive will be asked to immediately quarantine. We will begin weekly testing on our campus as soon as possible.
Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that the age group we primarily serve frequently presents as asymptomatic, Dixie State will start offering testing as a way for our students to help mitigate community spread. Additionally, Governor Herbert’s executive order, which is effective through Nov. 23, presents Dixie State with the means to offer weekly testing while offering students and their families peace of mind as they prepare to unite with family members to celebrate the holiday season.
Statewide contact tracing has indicated that maintaining social distance, wearing masks, and increasing sanitizing protocol have been effective in preventing the spread of the virus in classrooms. Offering weekly testing will help slow the spread in the community by letting students know if they’re asymptomatic carriers and should go into quarantine if they are or confidently gather with loved ones if they are not.
Student events and extracurricular activities are temporarily postponed. We will continue to provide details on the Utah High School Activities Association’s State Football Championships, Dixie State University’s 109th Commencement Ceremony, and other updates as they become available.
We understand that changes in procedures can be difficult — even daunting — but rest assured that Dixie State University is working closely with the State of Utah to ensure we can continue to offer our students learning opportunities while fulfilling our obligation to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within our communities. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to mobilize all necessary parties and navigate these unchartered territories together.
For continued updates, please visit wellness.utahtech.edu/coronavirus-information.