JMU Health Update - Nov. 17

Dear JMU Family,

Testing Before Thanksgiving

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at UPARK
  • This testing opportunity IS FULL. At this point, the site will not be accepting walk-ups without registration. If you made an appointment, please do the following:
    • Print your voucher and bring it with you. This will allow you to move through the line quicker.
    • Arrive at your appointment time. Appointments are intentionally staggered to alleviate line build-up.
    • Cancel your appointment if you are not planning to attend. This can open a space to someone else.

• Other VDH Testing
  • TODAY, Nov. 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Mary Baldwin University in Staunton (about 30 minutes south from JMU). This testing is open to all students, faculty, staff and the community. You must preregister. To view the testing site, complete the Start Assessment on this site. You will have the option to change your zip code. Use 24401 to see this site. Please print your voucher and bring it with you.
  • Thursday, Nov. 19, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington (about 1 hour south from JMU). This is open to all students, faculty, staff and the community. You must preregister. To view the testing site, complete the Start Assessment on this site. You will have the option to change your zip code. Use 24450 to see this site. Please print your voucher and bring it with you.
  • Monday, Nov. 23, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds (about 10 minutes from JMU). Open to all students, faculty, staff and the community. You can preregister or register on-site if appointments are still available.

Looking for More Testing?
Use this link to find a testing site near you, or on your way home. Not from Virginia? Look up your state’s Health Department page.

Just a reminder that testing is only accurate for the time that it is administered, and results are usually returned in 2 to 5 days. Anyone who plans to be in close contact with others should take proper precautions by wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and avoiding exposure to those outside their social bubble.

Staying on Campus During Thanksgiving Break?
Campus dining options, including a yummy full Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 26, can be found here.

Update on Cases
The university observed 6 new positive cases of COVID-19 at the Health Center yesterday, as well as 1 self-reported student case and 1 report of a staff member who tested positive from an activity off campus, putting the number of active cases at 27. The number of open quarantine and isolation beds is at 428 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!