A message from President Reynders regarding COVID-19 testing on-campus.

 Students, faculty, and staff –

As the semester begins, we are continuing to adjust and develop strategies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Testing is an important part of that effort.

Today, I am pleased to announce that we are putting the finishing touches on an agreement with Test Iowa to make testing available to students, faculty, and staff here on campus. Testing will be conducted in the Alumni House on Peters Ave. and will be available free of charge and limited to all active Morningside undergraduate students, faculty, and staff. 

In conjunction with this initiative, we will also be launching a dashboard to provide testing, active case numbers, and numbers of students in isolation or quarantine. We will use data we collect from both our Test Iowa testing, as well as Siouxland District Health. I do want to note that this information does have limitations. Students, faculty, and staff always have the option to keep their test results confidential. As a result, it is important to note that the numbers on our dashboard will only be as good as the information we are able to access.

Specifics about hours and how to arrange testing will be available in the coming days.

I want to stress that while we have been very fortunate so far, we could see an increase in cases at any time. When that happens, it’s imperative that we not panic. We know this virus is widespread already. The best way we can deal with it is to continue to follow guidelines. Wash your hands. Wear your mask. Avoid large gatherings. Be smart.

 Thank you to everyone who has been doing their part in these early weeks of the semester. Please be vigilant.

Thanks,

John Reynders
President
Morningside College