FORT MYERS, Fla -- Students, faculty and staff at Florida Gulf Coast University are set to head back to class on campus Monday, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
From a free mask pick-up to free asymptomatic testing, a lot is planned to make sure the fall semester starts off safely.
The free mask pick-up will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Cohen Student Union Eagle ID Office. Students, faculty and staff will be able to pick up a free cloth mask. This is to make sure everyone has access to at least one face covering, since they are mandated as part of the university's COVID-19 safety measures.
Those picking up, should plan to bring their Eagle ID card. You can pick up until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Another effort to keep those on-campus safe will also go live on Monday. Students, faculty and staff will be asked to watch a mandatory COVID-19 FGCU training video.
There's also the daily health screening app. All students, faculty and staff are required to complete the (Veoci) FGCU Daily Health Screening every day before they come to campus.
Last week, after students moved into the dorms, several people tested positive on campus for COVID-19. The university said it's ready to handle situations like this, and that it's designated separate areas for any students who test positive.
"If they need a laptop, or a webcam to continue their academic studies we would be able to provide that to them, as well as if they needed food services or laundry or other services to make sure that they were comfortable and able to stay isolated during that time," said Director of Emergency Management Ruth Rodrigues.
Another effort to keep students safe will be the free asymptomatic testing happening Monday.
The university started this testing over the weekend, to help accommodate for the big rush it anticipates will show up to get tested Monday.
All faculty, staff, and students enrolled in the fall semester can get an asymptomatic test. That will continue through Wednesday.
If you want to get tested, you'll have to schedule an appointment.
While the asymptomatic testing is only set to run through mid-week, symptomatic testing is expected to continue through the end of the semester.
