Message to USF Residential Students (Tampa Campus) from Dr. Joe Puccio, Executive and Medical Director of Student Health Services
Dear USF residential students,
As the beginning of the fall semester approaches, USF is excited to welcome students, faculty and staff back to our campuses. We are taking many precautions to return in a safe manner. Students who will be living in a residence hall on the Tampa or St. Petersburg campuses will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test completed between July 31, 2020 - August 13, 2020. Students must submit the negative test result to us at least two business days before their scheduled move-in date. Students who can’t get the COVID-19 test result back in time, should reschedule their move-in date on the Housing and Residential Education portal.
Where do I submit my test results?
Residential students will upload their COVID-19 test results to the Return to Campus COVID-19 Assessment tool. Information about how to access the Return to Campus COVID-19 Assessment tool will be shared with students during the week of July 27. Students who fail to submit a negative COVID-19 test result at least two business days before their scheduled move-in date will not be issued keys to their residence hall until Student Health Services provides clearance. Students will need to make arrangements to stay off campus until that clearance is received.
What if I test positive?
Please note that if you receive a “COVID-19 detected” or “COVID-19 positive” test result, you must self-isolate for 14 days wherever you currently reside off campus. Once your isolation is complete, please upload a medical clearance letter through the Return to Campus COVID-19 Assessment tool. You will then be authorized to receive your residence hall keys.
Where can I get tested?
The COVID-19 PCR test is commonly used at health department test locations throughout the United States. The test can also be requested from your primary care medical doctor, urgent care centers and many CVS and Walgreens pharmacies. During the above time frame, if you are in the vicinity of the Tampa Bay region, you can also call USF Student Health Services at 813-974-2331 to schedule a time to be tested using your health insurance. Testing may be limited based on the availability of test kits.
Will antibody tests be accepted?
No. Unfortunately, results of COVID-19 antibody tests will not be accepted for on campus living clearance.
What if I have questions?
If you are unable to secure COVID-19 testing at your current place of residence, please inform the university through the Return to Campus COVID-19 Assessment tool and a representative from Student Health Services will contact you to advise of next steps.
What if I’m an international student?
All students who will be living on campus, including international students, are required to be tested for COVID-19 and show proof of a negative COVID-19 test report before coming to campus. The test must have been administered between July 31, 2020 - August 13, 2020. If you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate for 14 days at your current residence before you can come to a USF campus. USF World has established a separate FAQ page for international students.
Sincerely,
Joseph A. Puccio, MD, FAAP
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Division of Adolescent Medicine
USF Morsani College of Medicine
Executive and Medical Director,
USF Student Health Services
4202 E. Fowler Ave., SHS 100
Tampa, FL 33620
TEL: 813.974.1818
FAX:813.974.8391
* PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: jpuccio@usf.edu
If students or families have questions about resident testing expectations or protocol, their best point of contact is Student Health Services (info@shs.usf.edu).
