Preparing for Winter Break

What to Know Before You Go

The Ohio State community has achieved extraordinary levels of COVID-19 vaccination among students, staff and faculty members, with more than 92% fully or partially vaccinated. High vaccination rates, regular testing and masking have allowed the university to return to campus and resume many in-person traditions during fall semester.

With the emergence of the omicron variant and ahead of winter break, Ohio State is encouraging everyone to utilize every precaution and resource to keep themselves, their family and the campus community healthy.

COVID-19 Testing

Required Testing

COVID-19 testing is required for all students, faculty and staff who received an exemption for the university’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement and those who have not taken action to complete the requirement. Students who continue living on or visiting any campus and employees who are required to test regularly will be required to test once during the time frame of Dec. 20-Dec. 31.

Testing sites on each campus will remain open through winter break. Hours and locations are available on the Testing page.

Asymptomatic Testing

Asymptomatic surveillance testing is also available to all students, staff and faculty members, regardless of vaccination status, at the specified location on each campus. All asymptomatic Ohio State community members are encouraged to use this testing resource, especially before traveling for winter break and upon returning to campus. Testing can provide individuals with peace of mind and help keep others healthy.

For information about where and how to schedule through MyChart, visit the Voluntary Testing page.

Symptomatic Testing

Anyone who is feeling ill should stay home and not go to Jesse Owens North or a regional surveillance location for testing. People who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should seek guidance from their primary care provider and test at a symptomatic testing facility.

  • Students can arrange for a COVID-19 test through Student Health Services (located on the Columbus campus). Check with your insurance provider on the best location for symptomatic testing
  • Employees should contact their primary care provider or the Wexner Medical Center at 614-293-4000.

Additional information is available on the Symptomatic Testing Page.

Spring Semester Return Testing

To help mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19 after the winter break, we will require testing of all students who are living in university-managed housing across all Ohio State campuses, as well as sorority and fraternity members on the Columbus campus, regardless of vaccination status. Testing appointments must be scheduled in advance using MyChart and be completed by the end of the day on Friday, January 14.

COVID-19 Booster Shots

Ohio State University scientists recently identified the first two cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant in the state of Ohio. The individuals had received an initial vaccine series more than six months ago but neither had obtained a booster. This discovery underscores the importance of all eligible people getting their booster shots.

The university is urging everyone to get a booster shot as soon as they are eligible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends boosters for anyone 16 years or older who has already completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Booster doses are available from any of the brands currently authorized for use in the United States.

Vaccine appointments are scheduled through MyChart

  • The Wexner Medical Center’s vaccine site for students, faculty and staff is located at 600 Ackerman Rd.
  • Ohio State community members and the general public can also schedule appointments at McCampbell Hall or sites around central Ohio.

Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available on the Get Vaccinated page.

Travel

Anyone who travels domestically or internationally during winter break should protect themselves and be aware of the COVID-19 risk at their destination. 

Many locations, within the United States as well as internationally, are currently experiencing a surge in virus cases. All travelers should consider the necessity of their travel and take all necessary precautions if traveling, including masking, frequent hand washing, getting a booster shot as well as testing before and after travel.

International Travel

International travelers should consult information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of State to determine the public health measures including requirements for proof of vaccination, pre-travel COVID-19 tests, current immigration status for entry, quarantine on arrival and other guidelines.

Travelers are reminded to take their CDC vaccination card and secure it during travel. The Department of State also offers the STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program where individuals traveling internationally can receive information from the nearest U.S. Embassy about safety conditions or other emergency information while traveling.

Beginning this month, all international air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before returning to the United States. Regardless of citizenship status, people who test positive while overseas will not be able to return to the United States for medical care and their return to the country might be delayed for up to 14 days. Travelers who are not U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents or otherwise exempt should be aware of entry restrictions to U.S. for noncitizens from select countries. All entry requirements to the U.S, including testing and restrictions can change without significant advance notice.

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