JMU Health Update - Nov. 5
NewsDear JMU Family,
Know Before You Go
Remember, campus will remain open during and after Thanksgiving break. For students who plan to go home for Thanksgiving and want to receive a test before leaving campus, tests will be available at the following locations:
- UPARK, Nov. 11 and 18, from 2 to 6 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, from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. FREE, but you must have an appointment.
- UHC, Monday through Friday, from 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, from 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.
The university has plenty of tests for those who want them. But make your appointment now because these spaces will fill up fast. 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.
Mass Testing After Thanksgiving
For students planning to be on campus and in town after Thanksgiving, mass testing in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health, City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County will continue at UPARK through the end of the semester. So if you want to get tested before leaving for the semester break, plenty of tests should be available. Confirmed dates so far include Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 2 to 6 p.m.
New Guidance on Travel for Students
The American College Health Association (ACHA) has issued recommendations for students preparing to travel for the holidays. At least two weeks prior to departure, students should:
- Get an influenza vaccination.
- Review the regulations governing travel to their destination. Some states require the completion of a travelers’ form prior to arrival, along with specific restrictions and testing requirements after arrival.
- Minimize risk of exposure and infection during the weeks leading to departure from campus. Any exposures could disrupt plans to go home. If they become infected or are exposed to a person who is confirmed to be infected, they will need to isolate or quarantine before traveling. Travelers who are ill, are infected, or have recently been exposed to the virus will not be allowed to board airplanes and trains.
- Reduce the number of people with whom they have close contact prior to the trip. Any close interaction with persons outside immediate household or residence hall roommates will present an opportunity for infection.
The full set of ACHA recommendations can be found here.
Update on Cases
The university observed 6 new positive cases 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 22. The number of open quarantine and isolation beds is at 428 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!