JMU Health Update - Feb. 12

Dear JMU Family,

Update on Cases
The university observed 15 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, putting the total number of active cases at 28. The number of open quarantine and isolation beds is 377 out of 391. More information can be found on the university’s Stop the Spread dashboard.

Please Note
While we were encouraged by the low number of positive test results from entry testing and the zero positives from our first week of surveillance testing of our on-campus population, we did receive a number of positives from the testing clinic of 150 off-campus students yesterday. We are committed to continuing to offer a large number of tests for our student population, but testing is only a part of the overall picture. We want to reinforce the importance of avoiding any gatherings over 10 people, staying in your social bubbles, and wearing a mask any time you are around others. COVID-19 is still active in our surrounding community, with the 7-day positivity rates at 10% for Harrisonburg and 15.8% for Rockingham County, both up slightly from the previous week. So it is important that each of you protect yourself and the entire JMU community. This is a critical time in the semester, and we need everyone’s cooperation and commitment to safety.

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!