Thank you all for your dedication and commitment to keeping each other, our students, and our campus open and safe. Below will find information on important and relevant topics to help you continue to stay healthy. These efforts, in addition to continuous self-screening, and symptom awareness, will help ensure the College is able to stay open and serving students.
Thanksgiving
When making plans for Thanksgiving, keep in mind the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. However, if you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website in advance to learn how to take steps to make your celebration safer. The CDC provides guidelines for those hosting, attending, and traveling this holiday season.
Flu vs. COVID-19
As we enter into the winter months, influenza (flu) is also a concern. There are some key differences between flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. Another important difference is there is access to a vaccine to protect against flu.
Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.
Testing
Southwest District Health reached out to share some new channels for testing, specific to students, staff, and faculty of schools. BINAX Now testing will be providing no-cost, rapid testing at the Caldwell location for students and staff. Please keep in mind:
- You must be symptomatic to receive a test.
- Walk-in visits cannot be accommodated at this time.
- Please call 208.296.1030 for an appointment.
Albertsons Companies is working to ensure the safety of area school’s staff and students. Free testing for all teachers, school staff, and students – regardless of insurance status – will be available through the COVID-19 Test Voucher. Visit scheduletest.com or call Southwest District Health at 208.455.5300.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Developing and planning for a vaccine has been a priority since the pandemic started. The federal government, through Operation Warp Speed, has been set on making one or more COVID-19 vaccines available as soon as possible.
Although CDC does not have a role in developing COVID-19 vaccines, CDC has been working closely with health departments and partners to develop vaccination plans for when a vaccine is available. With the possibility of one or more COVID-19 vaccines becoming available before the end of the year, CDC has developed 8 things you need to know about status of those plans. Closer to home, Gov. Little has established an advisory committee to plan how to distribute the vaccine in Idaho.
Thank you all for taking time to stay informed, and if you have questions, please feel free to reach out to COVID19_Questions@cwi.edu.