JMU Health Update - Nov. 9

Dear JMU Family,

Only 11 Days Until Thanksgiving Break and Testing Appointments are Filling Up Fast!
For students wanting to be tested for COVID-19 before returning home (or traveling in general), here are some free, convenient options:

• Warren Hall — Live on campus? This one is just for you! Nov. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. FREE, but you must have an appointment. Sign up now to reserve your spot.
• UPARK — This one is for everyone! Nov. 11 and 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. FREE (sponsored by Health and Human Services, the Virginia Department of Health, City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and JMU) and open to all students, faculty, staff and the community. We recommend you preregister, but at this time you can still register on-site.

Thanksgiving at Hotel Madison
If you or your student plans to stay in Harrisonburg for the Thanksgiving break, the options to celebrate just got better. While D-Hall is planning to serve a Thanksgiving meal, Montpelier Restaurant and Bar at Hotel Madison is offering ready-to-serve Thanksgiving options available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 4 p.m. (orders must be placed by 4 p.m. on Nov. 21). Thanksgiving specials also will be available for indoor table seating and curbside pickup. More details here.

Update on Cases
The university observed 2 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center on Friday and over the weekend, as well as 6 self-reported cases, with 4 students becoming considered “recovered,” meaning they were diagnosed as positive more than 10 days ago and are no longer infectious. The number of active cases is at 24. The number of open quarantine and isolation beds is at 397 out of 443. 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.

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