COVID-19: A word about reporting, testing and tracing

From Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Laurie Bellows

We’re hearing rumors that some students are advising others not to be tested for COVID-19 or if tested, not to report it or comply with contract tracing efforts by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. We know that students want to stay on campus and continue in-person learning, and that is the motivation behind this advice. But it’s simply not good advice.

How can we avoid shutting down the campus? We’re counting on you.

If you have a positive test, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and UNL’s Public Health Advocacy Team intervenes immediately. This intervention -- and your candor -- is what gives us our best chance for in-person learning.

If you test positive, you need to be honest with the contact tracers, and you need to follow the rules of isolation.

If you are a close contact of someone who tests positive, you need to be honest with the contact tracers and follow the rules of quarantine.

If you are truthful and follow the rules, you will not get in any trouble -- we’ll help you stay current with your classes, and you’ll give us our best chance to stay open.

But if you are not truthful, or don’t follow our public health guidance, you should expect to be sent home. Your actions will determine whether the university returns to remote learning and on-campus experiences end.

Give yourself and others the best chance: Keep it safe

• Assume for your safety that everyone you meet is infectious, whether they look or feel sick or not: keep your face covering on, even outside unless you are distanced, and stay 6 feet or more away from everyone. Know what 6 feet looks like. This guidance applies both on- and off-campus.
  
• Avoid all parties. Stick with small groups, outside, with face coverings and distance.
  
• Hold your friends accountable. True friends do not engage in behavior that endangers others or threatens their education.