The University COVID Workgroup continues to closely monitor the epidemiological situation and use the Community Update messages to announce new policies created in an effort to keep our community healthy and safe. As a reminder, the current COVID-19 Franklin policy is outlined below:
- Individuals who develop flu-like symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat, etc.) are required to wear a mask indoors.
- Students who test positive for COVID-19 are expected to self-isolate for 5 days and until they are symptom free for 48 hours. Schedule COVID testing using this Swiss-wide testing site.
- Students who test positive should submit their COVID-19 test result (Rapid Antigen or PCR administered by a pharmacy or testing site) to the Coordinator of Student Medical Services and to their professor(s) to request to join class online.
- Contact the Coordinator of Student Medical Services for COVID reporting, health advice, and support.
This message is to update our community about the COVID situation and other issues that impact our community. Please read this carefully to remain informed and to learn how you can support the health of our community members.
- As COVID numbers are sharply increasing in Ticino and Switzerland, Franklin encourages our community get vaccinated and boosted if you are eligible. Ticino has launched its autumn vaccination campaign and individuals can register for a free COVID vaccine/booster at this site. Contact the Coordinator of Student Medical Services if you need assistance.
- We strongly recommend our community members wear a mask when in close proximity to others in order to keep our community healthy for the Academic Travel experience. This protects everyone, but particularly immune-compromised individuals. It also helps to slow the spread of certain illnesses.
- Students with COVID symptoms are reminded to schedule a COVID test at a pharmacy or testing site using this Swiss-wide testing site and not go to the Sant’Anna Urgent Care for COVID testing. Students are expected to contact the Coordinator of Student Medical Services for COVID reporting, health advice, and support.
- Franklin may mandate a mask requirement for selected indoor locations on campus if the epidemiological situation continues to worsen. We will announce any possible mandate before classes resume on November 2.
- Students with COVID vaccination / recovery documents from outside of Switzerland are encouraged to obtain a Swiss COVID Certificate to use when traveling outside of Switzerland. This document could be required if the epidemiological situation changes. Follow the instructions on the site. Contact the Coordinator of Student Medical Services with questions and for assistance using the site.
- Franklin will once again organize flu vaccinations for our community. The details will be announced after Academic Travel.
- Students should take any prescription medication, EpiPens, and their health insurance card in their carry-on bag when they travel. In addition, please take a photo of your health insurance card and prescription medicine in case they get lost. Please be sure to inform your Academic Travel leader personally if you carry an EpiPen or other medical device.
- Students are expected to download the SAFEY App on their phone to use during Academic Travel and independent travel. SAFEY provides real-time health and safety updates for any location in the world. Complete information was sent to your Franklin email.
Below is an update about the San Grato bus stop near campus:
- The San Grato bus stop on Via Ponte Tresa directly in front of New C will undergo construction starting on October 17, 2022. This construction project will expand the stop to accommodate a larger bus and is expected to take about 3 weeks, weather permitting. During the construction, the San Grato bus stop (direction Agra) will be closed. We recommend getting off the bus at the Clinica Sant’Anna bus stop during the construction. Our community is reminded to use the labeled cross-walks to cross Via Ponte Tresa.
- Students are reminded to purchase public transportation tickets for train, bus, funicular, etc. BEFORE boarding. Franklin students have been receiving a significant number of expensive fines for not purchasing the correct ticket or at the correct time.
Share your Academic Travel photos! Tag @franklin_switz and use #AcademicTravelFUS to share your photos on social media.