Last Minute Departure Notes

Global Close Scholars has both a COVID vaccination and a COVID testing requirement for all students attending the Costa Rica Close Exploration. Please complete both of the following steps:

1. Upload your completed vaccination card to the Patient Portal no later than Friday, May 13th 10am.

• Vaccine cards that only reflect one of a two dose vaccination or that reflect obscured information will not be accepted.

• If you have received a booster, please upload your updated card to the Patient Portal.

1. Have a COVID-19 test administered prior to our scheduled departure on Sunday, May 15th.

• If testing with a provider where you live, it is recommended that you have a COVID-19 test administered no sooner than five (5) days* (May 10th) prior to our scheduled departure on Sunday, May 15th. The results must be uploaded NO LATER than 10:00am, Friday, May 13th to the Patient Portal showing a negative test result in order to travel with the group on Sunday, May 15th.

• If it is more convenient to complete your rapid test in Winthrop’s Health Services, Global Close Scholars will be accommodated on Friday, May 13th, 8 – 10 am. Please call Health Services at 803/323-2206 to schedule an appointment. There is a $15 charge for rapid tests. The Close Scholars Program will be billed for this charge.

*If you have tested positive within the 90 days prior to our travel date, please upload your positive test result to the Patient Portal NO LATER than 10:00am, Friday, May 13th. You will also need to bring a copy of the positive result and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating you are cleared for travel. It must be signed and on official letterhead that shows the name, address, and phone number of the healthcare provider or public health official but it does not need to specify dates of travel.

Accepted Methods of COVID Testing

The accepted method of testing for students is a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test via nasal, nasopharyngeal, throat, or saliva. Negative antigen tests (rapid) by a provider only (not at-home tests) will be accepted as well. Health Services will not accept a positive serological test (antibody).

After testing, please remember to self-quarantine and avoid high risk activities to prevent infection prior to travel. Wear a high quality mask like KN95 when around others.

Also, please remember to have copies of the vaccination record on your cell phone and a hard copy in case you need it while traveling. If you tested positive within the 90 days prior to our travel date, please have a copy of your positive test result from a medical provider on hand for exit and re-entry after the trip.

• Failure to comply with these requirements will preclude you from attending the trip.