Protect The Nest

From Director of Board Relations Tiffany Reynolds

Good evening, everyone – here is today's Coronavirus Update:

I.  Reminders:

• Let's Finish the last three weeks of the semester strong and Soar into Summer with low COVID-19 cases on campus.  No one wants to fight the symptoms of COVID-19 while preparing for final exams and graduation.  So keep yourself and those you care about safe for the remainder of the semester. 
• Complete the Veoci App each day to report symptoms and get medical advice quickly.  Visit the Protect The Nest tabling locations for tips and giveaways.

II.  Vaccinations:

• At this time all available appointments for the April 16 Pfizer vaccination on FGCU’s campus have been filled.  Should there be an additional vaccination date for campus, a stand-by process will be available on the Protect The Nest webpage and communicated via campus-wide email. 
• For more information, please see the Vaccine Resources and Vaccine FAQ sections of the Protect The Nest webpage: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/
• Approximately one third of Florida's population over the age of 18 has been vaccinated to date.  While vaccination rates continue to rise, the positivity rate for Florida, Southwest Florida, and FGCU is increasing.  Stay vigilant to ensure victory over the virus.  

III.  Events on Campus:

• Beginning on June 1, 2021, the following changes will be made to FGCU’s current COVID-19 event guidelines:
• Location capacities – There will be specific larger multipurpose indoor and outdoor locations on campus that will be able to accommodate up to 150 people for events. 
• This list includes: Cohen Student Union Ballroom, Library Lawn, Aquatics Center, Waterfront, Recreation Outdoor Complex, Recreation Field 1, Recreation Field 2, SOVI Pool, Alico Arena, and the SOVI Green.
• This list does not include any academic classrooms as they will remain at their current modified capacities throughout the Summer semester.
• For any questions on this or if you would like to schedule your event, please contact Campus Reservations at rmsched@fgcu.edu.  
• Outside guests will be able to attend events on campus as long as they follow all of the FGCU Health and Safety guidelines.

IV.  Summer Camps:

• Summer camps will be allowed on FGCU’s campus from Tuesday, June 1 through Sunday, August 1, 2021 as long as the below conditions are met.  However, the use of on-campus facilities may be cancelled or rescheduled if there are Federal, State, or University guidelines addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as the health and safety of all those on campus is paramount.
• Camps must be FGCU affiliated.  FGCU affiliated camps include any camp under the requisite, institutional athletic, and independent athletic camp classifications.  Camps managed by an outside organization will not be able to take place at FGCU during the Summer of 2021.
• Camps must operate as day camps only during the Summer of 2021.  Camps with overnight stays (both on and off-campus) will not be permitted throughout the duration of Summer 2021.
• Camp organizers and participants must follow all location capacity and social distancing guidelines of each individual location that will be utilized.
• All food consumed during a camp must be individually packaged and/or served by a licensed catering vendor.
• There will be limited dining options provided by the FGCU dining vendor throughout the Summer of 2021.
• All camp participants will be required to follow all of the FGCU Health and Safety Guidelines which include:
• Wearing a mask at all times unless eating or participating in an athletic activity that does not allow it.
• Complete a daily health screening.
• Any camp attendees showing any illness or COVID-19 symptoms must stay home and not participate in the camp. 
• Any camp attendees showing any illness or COVID-19 symptoms while participating in the camp must be removed from the camp immediately.
• All Summer camp personnel 18 years and older that provide care for the camp participants are encouraged to take a PCR COVID-19 test within 5 days of the start date for each camp.
• PCR tests will be made available to FGCU camp organizers at no cost by Emergency Management.
• Camp organizers are required to immediately notify FGCU’s Emergency Management department of any campers or camp organizers that test positive for COVID-19.
• All camps must follow the approved COVID-19 Event Guidelines that will be listed on the Campus Reservations website.  The COVID-19 Guidelines will also be shared with each camp organizer by the Department of Campus Conference Programs.
• All day camps taking place at FGCU must follow the normal camp compliance guidelines that are available on the Campus Conference Programs website.
• Compliance requirements include: Memorandum of Understandings/Facilities Use Agreement, Background Screenings, Waivers, Campers Insurance, and Cash Handling Procedures.  These can also be found on the Campus Conference Programs website at: https://www.fgcu.edu/campusconferences/internalcompliance .
• Virtual camps will be permitted from May 10 through August 1, 2021 as long as they follow the designated guidelines that are available through the Department of Campus Conference Programs.  Virtual Camp Guidelines will also be shared with the virtual camp organizer by the Department of Campus Conference Programs.
• If you would like to schedule a camp or if you have any questions on this information, please contact Campus Conference Programs at ccp@fgcu.edu .

Stay safe, Eagles!

From Director of Emergency Management Ruth Rodrigues

Good afternoon – FGCU has received overwhelming interest from students, faculty, and staff regarding the opportunity to receive the Pfizer vaccine on campus.  Nearly 3,000 people have signed up for the 1,000 doses that will be available on April 8.  The next 1,000 people who completed the vaccine interest survey and did not receive an email to schedule an appointment for April 8 will receive an email today (April 7) for our next vaccine clinic scheduled for April 16.  We are currently working with the state and county to identify a third COVID-19 vaccine date for campus.

The best option to get vaccinated is to sign up to receive a vaccine at a state, county, or federal vaccine site – all are listed on the FGCU Vaccine Resource page: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/.  Lee County is vaccinating more than 5,000 people per day just miles from FGCU at the RSW airport (although this will change to the former Sears location at the Edison Mall, 4003 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, on Monday, April 12.)   Many are able to get in the same week. 

FGCU VACCINE FAQ:

• Out-of-state driver’s license or international student – Students, faculty, and staff with these credentials are still eligible to receive the vaccine.  Bring a valid out-of-state driver’s license or passport and a current FGCU ID to the clinic.
• Cancellation of vaccine appointment in Eventbrite – Notify us if you need to cancel an appointment for any reason.  This allows others to get the vaccine. 
• Email emergencymanagement@fgcu.edu to request to be removed from the appointment for any reason.  Note if you want to remain on the eligibility list for April 16  as this will hold your spot in the queue.
• Request for relatives to get vaccine – These clinics are ONLY for current FGCU students, faculty and staff.  Encourage relatives to visit the FGCU Vaccine Resource page:  https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/.  There are links for state and federal vaccination sites.  Most people are getting calls within the week at this point.  
• Insurance cards – There is no charge and no insurance is required for this vaccine.  You do not need to complete this section of the FDOH consent form.
• FDOH Consent Form –  This should be completed and taken to the vaccine clinic.  It can be located on the FGCU Vaccine Resource Page: https://www.fgcu.edu/coronaupdate/. 
• Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent when receiving the Pfizer vaccine. 
• Received first dose elsewhere  and want to get second dose at FGCU – Second doses of vaccines are allocated to the location of the first vaccine.  Return to the site where you received your first dose.
• For additional questions, please email: emergencymanagement@fgcu.edu.

From President Mike Martin

As the vaccination availability and the qualifying age have expanded we’ve hoped to move to more “normal” campus operations including welcoming family and friends to campus events.  Unfortunately we’ve experienced a recent uptick in positive cases among our students.  As a consequence, we will hold a bit longer on opening campus facilities and programs which could put members of our community at risk.

We are proceeding with a “Grad Walk” hybrid commencement over April 30 – May 2.  Everyone involved will work to ensure it is both safe and celebratory.

We have been able to offer vaccinations on campus of late.  However, the Lee County Health Department is rapidly increasing opportunities to be vaccinated.  You can find the process for signing up for their vaccination programs on the “vaccine resources” section provided on the FGCU Protect The Nest webpage found here: Protect The Nest

Hang in all – Go Eagles! 

Health Services & Resources

If you are sick - stay home and make an appointment to see a doctor. 

Students who develop flu-like symptoms can contact the FGCU Student Health Services at 239-590-7966 or email immune@fgcu.edu to make an appointment to see our healthcare professionals.  If you are severely ill, you should call an urgent care, emergency department at a local hospital, or call 911 before going in person.  They will direct you on the steps to take to get help without infecting others.

Faculty and staff who have questions about leave for health issues should contact Human Resources at hr@fgcu.edu or by calling 239-590-1400. 

Resources:

FGCU Student Health Services at 239-590-7966  or immune@fgcu.edu.

Lee Health Telemedicine - $49 fee

Lee County Health Department at 239-332-9501.

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center – Open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  - 1-866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov

• Florida Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization

Travel Advisories & Resources

Additional information and guidance on coronavirus including precautions, symptoms, and travel can be viewed at:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Coronavirus
• CDC Travel Advisory
• U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisory
• Florida Department of Health – Coronavirus
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration – Coronavirus

Info Sheets

• COVID-19 Should I Get Tested?
• Preventive Measures for 14-day Self Isolation

Travel Advisories & Resources

Additional information and guidance on coronavirus including precautions, symptoms, and travel can be viewed at:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Coronavirus
• CDC Travel Advisory
• U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisory
• Florida Department of Health – Coronavirus
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration – Coronavirus