Students Are Back on Campus & COVID Is on the Rise – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Female college student wearing mask on campus

School is back in session. Unfortunately, as students returned to class this year, so did COVID-19. After a few years of interruptions and heightened vigilance, everyone is understandably anxious to return to normalcy. But this is not the time to let your guard down—especially on campus, where viruses spread easily through close contact in shared spaces. COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, and it is now more important than ever for students to take steps to protect themselves and others.

Here’s What to Do

It is essential to be calm, informed, and prepared. Many colleges and universities have mandated COVID-19 inoculation for returning students, so be sure to find out if yours has a plan in place for dealing with COVID-19 and, if so, the details of that plan. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fully vaccinated individuals can resume their activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by law, rule, or regulation (including business and workplace guidance).

As such, all college students are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine if possible. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet—regardless of whether your institution requires inoculation for students—arrange to do so as soon as possible. If you cannot be vaccinated, you should continue to wear a mask in public places and practice social distancing by avoiding large crowds, parties, sporting events, and other unnecessary social contacts.

Regardless of your vaccination status, you should take steps to avoid spreading germs and reduce your risk of contracting and spreading a viral infection like COVID-19. The best way to do so is to practice good hand hygiene, and this entails more than a quick rinse. Wash your palms and the backs of your hands with soap and water for at least 25 seconds, paying particular attention to the areas between your fingers and around your fingernails. If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

We Can Help

If you have questions about COVID-19 prevention, the experienced and friendly medical team at South Tampa Immediate Care has answers. We also offer convenient COVID-19 testing and treatment services. Additionally, if you test positive for COVID-19 and your school requires you to present a doctor’s note for an excused absence from class, we can help with that as well. Visit our walk-in urgent care center at 602 S. Howard Ave. in South Tampa, FL, today.