JMU Health Update - Jan. 27
News
Dear JMU Family,
Update on Cases
The university observed 5 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, putting the total number of active cases at 30. The number of open quarantine and isolation beds is 373 out of 391. More information can be found on the university’s Stop the Spread dashboard. As the pandemic continues to surge, individuals must continue to follow public health guidance by wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and washing hands frequently.
Off-campus Testing
JMU will soon provide free COVID-19 testing for students living off campus. A weekly testing clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays beginning Feb. 11. These will be self-administered rapid tests, utilizing the BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag testing kit (the same ones being used for entry testing). Details and information on signing up will be sent next week.
On-campus Entry Testing
Students will receive email confirmation and details about their entry testing appointments. Please be sure to check your JMU email for details. To be best prepared for the test, take a few minutes to view these instructional videos. Also, be sure you have your phone with the Navica app and your profile set up.
If you need to reschedule your appointment due to a change in travel plans or inclement weather, you can call 540-568-3853 or email athletic-ticket@jmu.edu. If inclement weather pushes your arrival date after Jan. 31, please email vpstudentaffairs@jmu.edu.
Update on Vaccinations
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is responsible for acquiring and distributing COVID-19 vaccines. The University Health Center (UHC) is not a vaccination site. UHC does not have direct access to the vaccines. JMU is actively working with VDH in planning for the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in the Central Shenandoah Health District.
To see updated information, including local distribution phase status and up-to-date vaccination efforts, please visit the VDH Central Shenandoah Health District website. The main VDH vaccination website also is a great resource. On this site, you can find out which phase Virginia counties are currently in and in which phase you are eligible to be vaccinated, as well as view a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.
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 download the COVIDWISE app!
