Kevin O'Kelley
COVID-19 on campus: looking back, looking forward
The tide may be turning on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, with a decline in new cases nationally and regionally and with South Dakota’s Board of Regents seeking a more “normal” fall semester on USD’s campus. In response to this, USD student organizations, Vermillion businesses and local government leaders are looking to bring […]
Brief: USD vaccination event switches to Moderna after Johnson & Johnson FDA approval paused
A vaccination event on the USD campus substituted Moderna’s first dose for Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccination after the FDA announced a temporary pause on Johnson & Johnson’s approval. Both the CDC and FDA are investigating blood clots developed by six women after vaccination. 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been […]
People ages 16 and up can receive COVID-19 vaccine
The first wave of students eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine were students who worked in clinical care settings and those who had underlaying heath conditions. On Monday, statewide eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine was extended to all residents 16 and older, according to a press release from the USD COVID-19 Task Force. This includes all […]
Board of Regents announces intentions for “normal” fall semester
College life at USD saw many changes during the 2020-21 school year after a surge in the pandemic. Life on campus was full of mask-wearing students who were told to stay six feet apart at all times. For many of the students, a schedule full of Zoom classes became a new normal, but that is soon […]
USD encourages COVID-19 tests before break
With only two days left until the campus is vacated and students return home for spring break, the university is preparing for the COVID-19 repercussions that could be seen after the Coyotes reconvene after the break. USD is continually stressing the importance of getting tested and is offering students “Know Before You Go” PCR testing […]
Brief: USD to offer free rapid testing for COVID-19 on campus
USD will be offering free rapid COVID-19 testing in room 212 of the Muenster University Center 5 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Feb. 8. The BinaxNOW antigen test, paid for by the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), provides results in 15 minutes. Those tested will self-collect nasal swab samples […]
USD spring semester COVID plans and vaccine rollout
The spring semester is underway, and while classes and professors may change from the fall, one thing hasn’t. The COVID-19 pandemic is still a threat to campus life and classrooms, yet USD is prepared to handle any outbreaks and the upcoming vaccine rollout this spring. As students are welcomed back to campus all staff and […]