Dear Badger Parents and Families,
Below you will find a message that went to your students today from Jake Baggott, Executive Director of University Health Services.
We know many of you are making important decisions about upcoming travel plans. As we are about two weeks away from the start of Thanksgiving recess, we appreciate you reminding your student about the seriousness of this virus and ensuring they understand the ways they can help stop its spread.
Keep in mind that if your student is exposed to someone who tests positive between now and the break, they would not be able to complete quarantine (14 days) in time to travel without exposing others.
Find the latest, including information on travel and campus testing, on the UHS website.
In partnership,
Stephanie and Monica
UW-Madison Parent and Family Program
Dear students,
Thank you for all you’ve done to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 this fall – I know it has been challenging and I’m proud of how our campus community has risen to that challenge. We’ve kept our positivity rate below that of the county (and the state) for several weeks.
But as we prepare for the end of the semester, we’re seeing a very concerning increase in cases – not just across the state and in the city of Madison, but on campus. In two weeks, our 7-day average positivity rate has more than doubled. More than 100 students are in on-campus quarantine and isolation.
We’ve responded by accelerating campus testing in several residence halls but that alone won’t stop the spread. We need you to step up now, just as you’ve done before. We know many of you plan to return home soon. You don’t want COVID to spoil those plans or infect your family members.
The good news is we know what works:
- Stay home as much as you can and avoid gathering with anyone other than your roommates/housemates (yes even for the Wisconsin/Michigan football game!)
- Wear a face covering always except in your personal living space
- Wash/sanitize your hands frequently
- If you’re feeling sick, get tested
For those who plan to travel soon, visit the UHS website for additional information.
Let’s stay focused on doing what it takes to end the semester safely.
Jake Baggott
Executive Director, University Health Services
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs