Clemson students, faculty and staff have done a remarkable job of following all health requirements, and the resulting COVID-19 testing data continues to show the University community as one of the safest places in South Carolina – with positivity rates among students and employees both below 1%.
Clemson continues to evaluate all public health data as it mitigates the prevalence of COVID-19. A review of infection rates indicates Clemson’s comprehensive COVID-19 strategy is having the desired effect nearly two months into the new semester.
University leadership and public health experts will continue to evaluate the circumstances around our area, including: 1) prevalence detected through campus testing; 2) positivity rate in surrounding geographic areas; and 3) COVID-19 prevalence and mitigation measures in K-12 schools throughout the Upstate and areas near University facilities.
As students return from Fall Break, University officials will evaluate opportunities to reduce some mask and/or testing requirements.
Mask Requirement Continues Through October 30
While the University looks for opportunities to remove some of the requirements, due to continued high COVID-19 rates in the surrounding geographic areas and in K-12 schools throughout the Upstate, Clemson will extend (without interruption) current mask requirements through October 30. During this period, Clemson will continue to require masks in all its statewide buildings including classrooms, instructional facilities, offices, labs and residential and dining halls except while eating or in private spaces.
Testing Hours Change Week of Oct. 11
Due to Fall Break, testing times next week will be shortened on Monday and Tuesday, and extended on Wednesday and Thursday. The COVID-19 test scheduling site has updated testing times for each testing location. To ensure you have a testing time, be sure to register for testing prior to arrival. If you do not register, you may be turned away. High volume of testing is expected on both Oct. 13 and Oct. 14.
Schedule a test for the week after Fall Break to lessen wait times during testing.
- Students — Students whose COVID-19 ‘test-by’ date on the Clearance Status Tool falls between Oct. 9 and Oct. 12 will be automatically extended to Wednesday, Oct. 13.
- Faculty and Staff — Faculty and staff are required to test a minimum of every two weeks and can test more frequently if desired; consequently, faculty and staff are asked to test in sufficient time to maintain their clearances.
Testing Requirements in Place for Greenville, Charleston Locations
In recent weeks, the University developed consistent testing requirements for locations throughout Greenville and the Low Country. For specific details, please visit the University’s testing information page on the COVID-19 website.
Pfizer Booster Shots Available
For the next five weeks, the Friday vaccine clinic at Littlejohn will be offering Pfizer booster shots to all those who are eligible and want it. The booster shot is available to anybody who has received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Access additional eligibility criteria for boosters from the CDC website here.
COVID-19 Resources
For additional information and COVID-19 resources, access Clemson University’s Healthy Clemson. United as Tigers COVID-19 site.