Breaking News: FIU Prepares for Hurricane Elsa, Closes COVID Testing Sites

Emiliana Fawley-Puello / Staff Writer

Hurricane Elsa became the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2021 storm season as it strengthened today.

FIU’s emergency operations center has been activated in preparation for the hurricane. All students, faculty and staff were asked to review the university’s emergency procedures and remain alert for any updates from the university and local officials.

FIU External Relations sent emails yesterday and today to the university community detailing precautions for the storm.

Parts of South Florida, including the university, are in the forecast cone. Storm conditions are expected as early as Sunday night, according to Local 10 News. 

Curative COVID-19 testing sites on campus will be closed on Monday, July 5, according to the recent email sent out today.

“Given that this is a holiday weekend, faculty and staff should review their department’s hurricane playbook immediately,” stated the email.

Emergency communication is available via FIU Alert, Informacast, email, website updates, social media and the FIU helpline at 305-FIU-HELP (305-348-4357).

Students can register for FIU Alert texts and calls on their MyFIU account.

FIU urged all families to have several days’ worth of supplies and medicine and to remain alert for any new developments with Hurricane Elsa through local news mediums and the National Hurricane Center.