This summer, Iowa State's public health team will implement a series of changes related to COVID-19 information and resources for the campus community. Below is an overview of the changes.
COVID-19 website
In late June, information about COVID-19 testing and vaccinations will move from the COVID-19: Moving Forward website to a new public health website, under Cyclone Health. The current COVID-19 pages (Moving Forward, Testing, Vaccinations, Cyclones Care and By the Numbers) no longer will be accessible once the new university homepage launches in July.
COVID-19 data page
Weekly updates to the COVID-19: By the numbers webpage will end June 1. Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) will continue to report positive results to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), as it has done throughout the pandemic. Testing performed at TSHC is included in the weekly totals for Story County on the IDPH website.
COVID-19 testing options
Testing is available at TSHC for students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Health center staff will notify students of their positive test results, but no longer provide students who test positive with documentation for instructors.
In early May, the health center started sending tests to the State Hygienic Lab in Coralville for processing, with results provided in three to four days. The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine had processed tests for the university since the start of the pandemic. This partnership made it possible to provide test results within 24 hours, which helped limit the spread of illness.
Free antigen tests still are available for employees and students at five locations this summer:
- TSHC (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays except Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- Memorial Union information desk (7 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday)
- Union Drive Community Center mailroom (1-3 p.m. weekdays)
- Maple Willow Larch hall desk (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday)
- 2270 Veterinary Medicine (8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays)
Isolation and quarantine housing
In response to declining demand, isolation and quarantine housing will transition from Linden Hall to Schilletter Village apartments on June 1. Students living in the residence halls who test positive or were exposed to a positive case, can use this option or choose to isolate off campus.
COVID-19 email
The university is discontinuing the COVID-19@iastate.edu email address at the end of May. COVID-related questions should be directed to the appropriate department or unit.
