JMU Health Update - Oct. 30

Dear JMU Family,

Halloween Weekend
There has been a dramatic decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases within our community, and we attribute that to the efforts of our students to Stop the Spread. Halloween at JMU can be fun; however, this year is not a typical year. For the health and safety of our JMU family, and also for our surrounding community members, it is critical that students continue to practice safe behavior throughout this Halloween weekend. You can still enjoy a fright by checking out these fun alternative activities in the area. Let’s all continue to work together to stay healthy and safe.

Exit Testing Before Thanksgiving Break
For students who plan to go home for Thanksgiving break and want to receive a test before leaving campus, exit tests will be available at the following locations:

• UPARK, Nov. 4, 11 and 18, 2 to 7 p.m. FREE (sponsored by Health and Human Services, the Virginia Department of Health, City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and JMU) and open to all students, faculty, staff and the community. You can preregister or register on-site.
• Warren Hall (only for students who live on campus), Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE, but you must have an appointment.
• UHC, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Out-of-pocket cost is $55 or can be billed to insurance. Available to students, faculty and staff by appointment only. Call 540-568-6178.
• Weekend Testing at UHC, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 15. Out-of-pocket cost is $55 or can be billed to insurance. Available to students by appointment only. Call 540-568-6178.

Just a reminder that testing is only accurate for the time that it is administered, and results are usually returned in 2 to 5 days. Anyone who plans to be in close contact with others should take proper precautions by wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and avoiding exposure to those outside their social bubble.

Update on Cases
The university observed 1 new positive case of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 0 self-reported cases, with 3 students becoming considered “recovered,” meaning they were diagnosed as positive more than 10 days ago and are no longer infectious. The number of active cases is at 13. The number of open quarantine and isolation beds is at 467 out of 477. More information can be found on the university’s Stop the Spread dashboard. While our situation continues to improve, individuals must continue to follow public health guidance by wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and washing hands frequently.

Stop the Spread HELPline
If students and their families have questions and can’t readily find the answers in our FAQs, call the Stop the Spread HELPline, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The toll-free number is 888-886-3131. And don’t forget, many of your questions can be answered here. Call center agents also will be answering questions sent to covid19@jmu.edu, and you can submit questions via a form on the Stop the Spread site. Please note, the HELPline is not for reporting noncompliance with health guidance and the Stop the Spread Agreement signed by all students. Please use the LiveSafe app, which goes directly to the JMU Public Safety dispatch.

Stay safe, and please remember that the only vaccine currently available for COVID-19 is solidarity. And download the COVIDWISE app!