COVID-19 Update - Oct. 5

Dear JMU Family,

Update on Cases
The university observed 8 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center over the weekend as well as 0 self-reported cases, with 27 becoming considered “recovered,” meaning they were diagnosed as positive more than 10 days ago and are no longer infectious. This puts the number of active cases at 31. The number of open quarantine and isolation beds is now at 295 out of 315. 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.

What Should I Do If I Come In “Close Contact” With Someone Who Tested Positive?
“Close contact” is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before illness onset. If you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, there are some urgent steps you need to take to keep yourself and your community safe. You need to quarantine for 14 days after your most recent exposure, get tested 5-7 days after your suspected exposure and Isolate for at least 10 days after a positive test. For more on this process, check out this video.

Rapid Testing
The University Health Center now has rapid testing available for our students. While rapid testing is an important diagnostic tool, it is not the most appropriate option for every situation. UHC medical staff will determine which type of test is appropriate based upon a variety of factors, including presence and duration of symptoms, severity of illness and testing resources available. The process for being tested remains the same. Call 540-568-6178 to make an appointment.

Stop the Spread HELPline
If students and their families have questions and can’t readily find the answer in our FAQs, call the Stop the Spread HELPline, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 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.

Stay safe, and please remember that the only vaccine currently available for COVID-19 is solidarity. And download the COVIDWISE app!