INDIANAPOLIS — Thousands of college students across the state are heading back to campus as the fall semester nears.
“We’re really trying to get back to normal here at Butler, safely,” Maxie Gardner, Butler University’s Director of Health Services, said.
It will feel more like 2019 on Saturday when thousands of students return to Butler’s campus. COVID-19 restrictions are loosening. No longer is a mask requirement in place and a mandatory negative test ahead of move-in day is gone.
“We will just continue to monitor from the experts with the CDC and Indiana Department of Health,” Gardner said.
This school year, though, there is a new virus to worry about — Monkeypox. School administrators said they have been preparing for weeks.
“I truly believe that Indiana is currently at a low risk that our students can function in a safe manner here at Butler University,” Gardner said.
Butler will provide Monkeypox testing. If a student tests positive, they will work with them on isolation housing. However, they encourage students to think about isolating themselves at home since it could take up to four weeks to recover.
It’s a similar plan for Indiana University campuses across the state.
“Given that it often spreads amongst close contact, especially often with sexual contact, it’s something that might hit students in general,” Aaron Carroll, Indiana University’s Chief Health Officer, said.
Testing and isolation housing will too be offered for IU students. At both IU Bloomington and IUPUI, students came back over the weekend and will continue up until classes start next Monday.
According to the latestCDC data, Indiana has 84 cases. The state is working towards vaccinating the most vulnerable through clinics, but supply is limited.
Primarily men who have sex with men are getting the virus, but anyone can contract it.
“The only thing I wish we had more of is (the) vaccine,” Carroll said.
Both schools agree the most important thing they can do right now when it comes to Monkeypox is to educate students on the signs, symptoms and methods of transmission.
The Indiana Department of Health said it is working with colleges across the state when it comes to testing and vaccine availability.
-
Fishers' Police state-of-the-art forensics tech looks to improve public safety
The Fishers Police Department has launched a cutting-edge crime lab equipped with advanced forensic technology, designed to expedite investigations and enhance public safety.
Indy clinic begins Autism Diagnostic Evaluations to help cut down on wait times
A local clinic is providing a new service to help cut down on wait times for families seeking evaluations to find out if their child is on the autism spectrum.
Ball State ends DEI programs to comply with President Trump's executive order
Ball State University's board of trustees approved a resolution to revise or end policies and programs relating to DEI to comply with President Trump's executive order.
Bloomington utility workers have fixed dozens of water main breaks this year
City of Bloomington Utilities has repaired 32 water main breaks so far this year. A water main break in the Gentry neighborhood Wednesday led to a boil water advisory due to low water pressure.
