[Return to Guilford's COVID-19 Hub]
As the College finishes the second week of the 12-week session, we continue to be pleased overall by how our community is responding to the pandemic. This is our fifth weekly update; you can always find our other weekly updates online. Be sure to read this update thoroughly to learn about COVID testing/results, flu shots, and fitness center opening and sign-up.
COVID TESTING
On Sept. 21, we provided updated results from our testing clinic held during two COVID-19 clinics the previous week (Sept. 14 and Sept. 15). We were notified of a total of four positive cases from those two clinics. In addition to the positive cases from the clinic, we received a self- reported positive case from off-campus testing. All cases are doing well and we will continue to monitor their health and well-being.
Here are our current COVID-19 statistics:
- We have had 18 identified positive cases since the initial move-in day, Thursday, Aug. 13.
- We have had 9 positive cases since the beginning of classes, Wednesday, Aug. 19.
- We are currently managing 3 active positive cases.
- We have 28 students who have been identified as close contacts to a positive case and are quarantining for a mandatory 14 days.
As a reminder, a close contact is anyone who:
- Was within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more;
- Had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them);
- Shared eating or drinking utensils;
- Sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you;
- Is a roommate of a positive case.
For all of the following scenarios, even if you test negative for COVID-19 or feel healthy, the student will need to remain in quarantine for 14 days since symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
For more information on quarantining, please visit the CDC website.
In some instances, our positive cases through contact tracing have identified up to nine close contacts. That is unacceptable disregard for health protocols during this pandemic. The StayHealthy@GuilfordCollege: Reopening Campus 2020 guidebook states on Page 29 that during the High Alert Phase, the gathering limit is five individuals. We have received several reports of large groups of students walking toward the Lake and disc golf course without face coverings on and not socially distancing. While we have done a good job mitigating the spread of COVID-19 on campus, we do not want to become complacent. Please remember that our approach should be to treat the virus as if we have it and everyone around us has the virus. Continue to practice your 3 W’s around everyone that you come in contact with whether your friend or stranger:
- Wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth.
- Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Testing Next Week
Today, Friday, Sept. 25, we transitioned to random COVID-19 testing during the 12-week, which will continue regularly throughout the semester. We expect results on Monday and will work with any positive cases to isolate and quarantine and conduct contract tracing.
Flu Shot Clinic
We will have another Flu Shot Clinic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28. The clinic will be held in the East Gallery of Founders Hall. Students will need a photo ID and their medical insurance card to get the shot. Most insurances cover the shot at no cost; if you are unsure, contact your insurer beforehand. Hope to see you there! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Student Health Services at 336.316.2194 or studenthealth@guilford.edu.
Fitness Center Reopening!
The Department of Athletics is excited to announce the reopening of the Fitness Center (weight room) for use by the entire Guilford community! Initially you will need to reserve time to work out. We will have to limit occupancy so we ask that you only sign up for a maximum of 2 workout times weekly to allow for broad community use.
Each time slot is separated into either “weightlifting” or “cardio machines” with a maximum of 9 people per zone. Please utilize the link below to sign up for your preferred time and make sure to read the protocols for Fitness Center use closely at the top of the page.
Guidelines for Fitness Center Use:
- You may arrive 15 minutes early to stretch and maximize your workout time.
- Fitness center will be divided into “cardio machines” and “weightlifting” areas.
- There is a limit of 9 people per zone.
- Please select max of 2 time slots per week.
- Utilize link below to make time-slot selection.
- Review listed protocols closely before making your selection.
Register for a slot using this link.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO UTILIZE THESE IMPORTANT RESOURCES, AS NEEDED:
As we shared last week, the College continues to urge all members of the Guilford community to proactively protect against, monitor, and report any potential virus symptoms they experience or observe in others. Here are the links to the forms we mentioned in our last communication.
- COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form
- Self-Reporting Form QR Code (Check your email for code.)
- COVID-19 Anonymous Reporting Form
Guilford College will take every effort to protect personally identifiable information shared in these documents and will not disclose your identity or the identity of anyone with a coronavirus diagnosis unless disclosure to safety and first aid personnel is required for emergency treatment or is otherwise required by law.
Be on the lookout for our next weekly update to be sent Friday, Oct. 2. We are also planning a COVID-19 Town Hall on Friday, Oct. 2. More information on the Town Hall will be coming early next week. Remember that if you have any questions related to COVID-19 and our efforts to mitigate the pandemic on campus, please call the COVID-19 Hotline at 336.316.2319. We are all in this together!
Sincerely,
Jermaine Thomas
Director of Public Safety
Health and Safety Task Force Chair