JMU Health Update - Feb. 17
News
Dear JMU Family,
Update on Cases
The university observed 3 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, putting the total number of active cases at 31. The number of open quarantine and isolation beds is 385 out of 434. More information can be found on the university’s Stop the Spread dashboard.
Free Testing Clinics Tomorrow
If the university is closed tomorrow for inclement weather, the free testing clinics will not be held. If there is a delayed opening, testing will be available for afternoon appointments. Since they are offered every Thursday, you can also sign up for the following week or make other arrangements. Faculty and staff can sign up or change your appointment here. For additional information see the off-campus FAQs or the faculty/staff FAQ page.
What to do if you develop COVID-19 symptoms when the university is closed for inclement weather:
Students who live off campus should stay home, away from others. Wear a mask when walking to the bathroom and in common areas of your home. Check the University Health Center (UHC) website for reopening information and schedule an appointment when available. Go to the Sentara RMH Emergency Department if you have trouble breathing or develop other severe symptoms.
Students who live on campus should stay in their rooms as much as possible. Wear a mask when going to the bathroom. Notify your resident adviser or hall director, who can arrange for meals. Notify UHC by completing a self-report form on MyJMUChart. Clinical staff from the Health Center will check self-report forms daily. If you complete a self-report form, you may be contacted by phone, so please be prepared to answer your phone. You should also prepare an overnight bag for use in quarantine/isolation as needed. Go to the Sentara RMH Emergency Department if you have trouble breathing or develop other severe symptoms.
Faculty and staff members experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay home, away from others. Do not come to campus, and call your primary-care provider for further instructions. If you are having difficulty breathing, please go to the Emergency Department of your closest hospital. If you have been directed to get tested for COVID-19 and are having difficulty scheduling an appointment, please call the Occupational Health Nurse at 540-568-5310 and leave a message. The office will call you back and schedule an appointment when the Health Center reopens.
Dashboard
The dashboard will not be updated during inclement weather closures. Daily data will be updated on the dashboard once the university reopens.
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!
