Dear UMW Community,
As we finish the first week of classes, we would like to update you on the most current information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 and public health practices. This week, the CDC data tracker reports our current COVID-19 community level as high. Based on this level of transmission, the CDC’s recommended action is to “wear a mask indoors and on public transportation. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider taking additional precautions.”
Masks and COVID-19 self-tests are available to pick-up on campus, with more information on the COVID website. The CDC provides further guidance that people with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. If you test positive, please self-report a case using the online form.
The CDC also recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October.
The next on-campus vaccine clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Cedric Rucker University Center. In addition to COVID vaccines, Giant Pharmacy will have vaccines for flu, shingles and tetanus, typically at no cost with insurance. No appointment is needed.
Students may upload their COVID-19 vaccination card to the Student Health Portal. Awareness of your status allows the UMW public health team to provide the best and proper ongoing advice for our Quarantine and Isolation practices.
All students are strongly encouraged to have an isolation and quarantine plan. For students living on campus, we strongly recommend that those who can travel safely in a private vehicle conduct their period of isolation in their home. For all other residential students, UMW has identified isolation spaces in Marshall Hall, which will be made available at no additional cost to our residential students for the duration of their quarantine/isolation period. These spaces are limited in number and amenities.
Students in isolation can order their meals from Grubhub from the Top of the UC. Orders are placed in the Grubhub pick-up shelves that are located at the cashier. The student in isolation can either a) ask a friend to pick it up for them or b) go masked to pick up their order and get it from the shelf which is not inside the dining hall. If choosing the second option, the student must avoid direct interaction with others to the fullest extent possible.
Support services are still available to students in isolation, with the Student Health Center, Talley Center, and Residence Life and Housing just a phone call away. These contacts and more resources are posted on the COVID website.
UMW continues to evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with public health guidance and will provide updates to the campus community when there are significant updates from the CDC or an increase in our community levels. We are also monitoring the latest data and information about the spread of monkeypox. The CDC and Virginia Department of Health offer informational resources on this new illness and the best ways to protect yourself and others.
We trust that you continue to monitor your symptoms, stay home when sick, and follow CDC recommendations. Through our individual responsibilities and consideration of the needs of fellow students, staff and faculty, we remain vigilant and very hopeful for the semester and year ahead.
Sincerely,
UMW’s Public Health Advisory Working Group