Skip to main content

Close ✕

Header

Secondary Navigation

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for the Augustana Community

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Augustana is monitoring and responding to the outbreak of the respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. This page provides information that is regularly updated for the campus community, including AU's preparedness and response, guidance for travelers and links to important resources.

 

View the Viking Flex Plan

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

In this section:

 

In response to the rapidly evolving events surrounding COVID-19 (also called novel coronavirus), Augustana is updating its information and guidance in the following ways, which may be further updated as local and global conditions change. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or are feeling sick, please call the Campus Clinic at 605.274.5552.

 

S.D. Coronavirus updates
 

The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) continues to monitor the emergence of the novel coronavirus. ► View updates.

About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus identified as the cause of the COVID-19 outbreak. The latest situation summary updates are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) web page Coronavirus Disease 2019.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?


• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

 

It is recommended that anyone over the age of 6 months get the flu shot, and especially people with chronic medical conditions who are at high-risk for flu-related complications. View information regarding how to get a flu shot at Augustana and what to do if you think you have influenza.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is spread from person to person through close contact and respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible to get COVID-19 through contact with a contaminated surface or object; however, this is not the main way the virus spreads.

Some populations are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

  • Older adults
  • People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease
  • Individuals who are in these high risk categories should consult their physician about prevention and protection measures.

Steps to prevent spread of respiratory viruses

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus is to avoid exposure. However, there are everyday preventive actions recommended by the CDC to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

  • Practice social distancing and avoid close contact. Close contact is defined as being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case.
  • Avoid having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g. being coughed on)
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What to do if you think you have been exposed

  • Monitor any cold-like symptoms for severity.
  • If you have a temperature, please seek medical care and practice preventive actions.

Augustana’s Sanford Campus Clinic is open to students Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

  • The clinic is located in the lower level of Solberg Hall and is staffed by a Registered Nurse (no copay) and Clinical Nurse Practitioner (insurance/copay applies).
  • To schedule an appointment, call 605.274.5552 or please report your condition by email at: goodhealth@augie.edu.

Vaccines:

As of March 30th, 2021, all Augustana students now have the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine! To schedule your vaccination appointment:

  • Schedule through your South Dakota primary care provider.

• Sanford Health

  • If you are a Sanford patient, you should see the option to schedule your appointment when you log in to your Sanford MyChart account. 
  • You may also schedule your appointment directly through the Sanford website.

• Avera Health

  • If you are an Avera patient, you should see the option to schedule your appointment when you log in to your Avera Chart account.
  • You may also schedule your appointment directly through the Avera website.

• Pharmacies

  • A large number of pharmacies around the Sioux Falls area are now providing the vaccine. Please refer to the pharmacy vaccination location list to identify your preferred pharmacy. Within the list you will find a direct link to the pharmacy’s website where you can schedule your vaccination appointment.   

• If you are part of a group that has previously been invited to receive the vaccine, please review the instructions in the email you received:
• Employees (including student employees) 3/9/2021
• Students living in dormitories (campus housing) 3/16/2021
• You may also follow the instructions listed above.

There may be appointments available this week — please feel free to schedule as soon as you see an available appointment.
Reminder — Please Report Your Vaccination(s)
We ask that you please keep us informed of your status by reporting the dates of your two vaccination doses on your my.augie.edu portal. Please enter the date of your first vaccination as soon as you receive it.

Quick Links

  • Transmission: Information about how the Coronavirus Disease is thought to be spreading from ill people to others.
  • Symptoms: Describes signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
  • Prevention & Treatment: Tips on protecting yourself from respiratory illnesses.
  • What the Public Should Do: Information for the public about what they should do and what they should not do to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • What to Do if You Are Sick: Information for people are sick with or caring for someone with COVID-19.

Resources