Planning Your Spring Term Return
*Published on January 8, 2021
Dear Northeastern University Students,
Plan Your First COVID Test in Boston
For the safety of everyone, students moving into university housing in Boston are required to get tested at the Cabot Testing Center on campus BEFORE they can enter their residence halls. The testing center does not take walk-in appointments. Visit the newly expanded hours of operation—linked on the Wellness Portal and the Test Scheduler homepage—to make sure the test center will be open when you arrive, and make an appointment accordingly.
If you are scheduled to arrive in Boston at a time when the testing center is not open, please make sure you have a safe place to stay until you can get your test and enter your residence hall.
Boston Testing Requirements
Students on the Boston campus are required to get a test on arrival, on day three, and on day five and then get tested every three days. Quarantine is required until you receive your first negative test result, and three negative tests are required before you can attend in-person classes. Students will need to complete their first three tests before the testing center closes on January 16 to receive an in-person class assignment on Tuesday, January 19.
Pre-Travel Safety Reminders
All students traveling over the break should remember these guidelines:
- Minimize contact with others before you travel back to campus.
- Monitor your symptoms and health with the Daily Wellness Check.
- Get a COVID-19 PCR test, preferably 72 hours or less prior to your arrival on campus, if you are able. If you test positive, this will allow you to get care and undergo treatment.
- Do not travel to campus if you test positive, if you have exposure to someone with COVID-19, or if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Follow your local public health directives to self-isolate or quarantine before you travel to campus.
- Wear a mask, wash your hands and practice healthy distancing during your travel.
Visit our guide for new and returning students and the first-time testing guide for the step-by-step testing process. The fall term proved that our Northeastern community will do what it takes to protect each other and the communities where we live. Thank you, and we look forward to a new year together again.
Sincerely,
Madeleine Estabrook