COVID-19 Safety Tips for the New Academic Year

Published August 5, 2022
See all editions of Covid in Focus here.

It’s that time of year again! Across the country, students are heading to campus for a new academic year. Over the past few months, many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted—but cases are on the rise due to a highly contagious strain of the virus called BA.5. So it’s important for students, faculty, and staff to take steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

Share the tips below to help your campus community stay healthy.

Tips to Share with Students, Faculty, and Staff

Share the following talking points to help your students, faculty, and staff stay healthy. You can copy and paste the content below into your own communication materials (like emails, campus news articles, and blog posts).

Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19 This School Year

Getting ready for the new school year? Chances are you’ve got a lot on your plate—and COVID-19 might be the last thing on your mind. But cases are on the rise due to a new strain of the virus called BA.5, which spreads from person to person very easily. Even though we’re all tired of COVID-19, it’s still important to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

The good news is there are simple steps you can take to stay healthy and start the new year off right.


Give Yourself a Boost

Now is the time to catch up on COVID-19 vaccines! Find out if you’re eligible for a COVID-19 booster and make a plan to get vaccinated.


Stock Up on COVID-19 Tests

[Campus communicators: If your campus offers free tests, add that information here.]

You can order free at-home tests at COVID.gov.

Help slow the spread of COVID-19 by taking a test when you feel sick, before a big event, or before you see loved ones who are at risk of getting very sick. If you test positive, stay home to protect others from getting sick.


Pack Some Sick Day Must-Haves

It’s a good idea to keep these must-have items on hand in case you get COVID-19:

  • Snacks
  • Tissues
  • A thermometer
  • Medicine to lower your fever (like Tylenol) and any medicines that you take every day
  • Drinks that help with hydration, like Gatorade or Pedialyte
  • Chargers for your phone and any other electronics that you use every day
  • Comfortable clothes or pajamas

Don’t Forget About Masks!

[Campus communicators: If your campus requires masks, add a brief sentence about your mask policy here. For example: At Sample U, we’re asking all students to wear masks in the library and dining hall.]

Remember, N95 and KN95 masks provide the most protection from COVID-19—but the best mask is the one you’ll actually wear.


Check In About COVID-19 Safety Boundaries

When it comes to COVID-19 safety, everyone has different needs and preferences. For example, some people may feel comfortable meeting up in crowded places, while others may need to take extra steps to protect their health. The beginning of the year is a good time to check in with friends and roommates so you can set boundaries and choose activities that everyone feels good about.

[Campus communicators: If your campus has housing where students can isolate if they get COVID-19, you may want to update or remove the following paragraph.]

It's especially important to discuss COVID-19 boundaries with roommates, since you’ll be spending a lot of time together. Make a plan for what to do if someone you live with gets sick. For example, if your roommate gets COVID-19, you may want to stay with friends or family for a few days. Or, if you live in a larger space, your roommate may be able to isolate (stay away from everyone) at home until they’re feeling better. Planning ahead can help you avoid stress (and roommate drama!) later in the school year.


Social Media Content to Share with Students, Faculty, and Staff

You can post this content on your campus social media accounts.

Facebook and Instagram Post #1

Stay healthy this school year! Protect yourself and others from #COVID19 with these simple steps:

  • Get a COVID-19 booster if you’re eligible
  • Stock up on COVID-19 tests and masks
  • Check in with friends and roommates about COVID-19 safety boundaries

Twitter Post #1

Stay healthy this school year! Protect yourself and others from #COVID19:

  • Get a COVID-19 booster if you’re eligible
  • Stock up on COVID-19 tests and masks
  • Check in with friends and roommates about COVID-19 boundaries