As the campus community returns from holiday celebrations and the winter academic break, Boise State’s departments of public health and human resources are reminding employees and students of the following strategies to help protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory infections.
Use sick leave to prevent the spread of illness
During cold and flu season, employees are encouraged to stay home when sick, especially at the onset of a fever, flu symptoms or COVID-19 symptoms.
Boise State offers benefit-eligible employees with annual sick leave to ensure staff has time to recover and help stop the spread of illness throughout campus. Employees who use sick leave are encouraged to practice self-care and should not feel obligated to work from home. Use this job aid as a guide to view current sick leave balances in Bronco Hub.
Wellness tips
To help protect you and others from the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory infections especially as our campus community returns from the winter academic break, Boise State Public Health recommends that you remain extra vigilant with preventive strategies for the first two weeks of January including considering conducting meetings virtually rather than in-person.
Other tips for staying healthy in the winter months include reducing stress, practicing good hygiene and getting enough sleep, fresh air and exercise.
Symptomatic? Need testing?
Employees with symptoms can schedule in-person or telehealth appointments through the university’s health services, or can obtain on-campus COVID-19 and flu testing through Boise State’s public health clinic. Additionally, four free at-home COVID tests are available to every U.S. household, and other options for campus community members to secure free or low-cost at-home COVID-19 tests are listed on the Public Health response web page.
Vaccine availability on campus
COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at Campus School. Flu vaccines are available at Health Services during regular hours and by appointment at Campus School. A limited supply of free influenza vaccines are currently available at Campus School for uninsured individuals.
COVID-19 reporting
To report a positive COVID-19 test, contact Boise State’s public health clinic at publichealth@boisestate.edu or (208) 426-2968. Up to date information on campus COVID-19 numbers, Boise’s CDC community level and circulating variants can be found on the Boise State Public Health Dashboard.