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This week’s update features some distressing news. We have seen our largest increase in reported cases since the beginning of the semester. Given the troubling surges in reported COVID-19 cases in our region and throughout the country, it is absolutely imperative that everyone take personal responsibility in safeguarding your health and the wellbeing of our entire community.
COVID Testing
We have been busy conducting testing clinics. On Oct. 15-17, we tested our 520 student athletes and other community members involved in random testing, as well as those who chose to be tested. Unfortunately, the testing resulted in four positive cases — three involving on-campus residents and one off campus.
Additionally, we were notified of three additional positive cases from community members who were self-tested outside of our testing clinics. All three are off-campus residents.
All positive cases are currently isolating and are doing well. While we did see an increase in cases this week, the positive case percentage from this week's testing clinics is still less than 1 percent (0.7%).
Here are our current COVID-19 statistics at the time of this email:
- We have had 28 identified positive cases since move-in day, Thursday, Aug. 13.
- We have had 18 positive cases since the beginning of classes, Wednesday, Aug. 19.
- We are currently managing 5 active positive cases. Active cases are the positive cases that were reported within the past 7 days and who were on campus within the prior 14 days.
- We have 10 students who have been identified as close contacts to a positive case and are quarantining for a mandatory 14 days.
- Since we began our testing clinics we have conducted 2,607 tests, with 22 positive cases from those testing clinics.
Testing Next Week
Random COVID-19 testing continues Tuesday, Oct. 27. Those selected for random testing will be notified Monday, Oct. 26. Testing will occur from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., location TBD. If you are not selected but would still like to be tested please look for the announcement in Guilford Buzz on Monday.
Vital New Information Regarding “Close Contacts”
We have received several questions on what constitutes a close contact. The CDC has just released additional guidance. The significance of the new definition is that it broadens the pool of close contacts.
- Original CDC definition: Person spending at least 15 minutes within 6 feet of a person with a confirmed case.
- New (Oct. 21) CDC definition (resulting from deeper case analyses): Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period--starting from 2 days before illness onset. Or -- in the case of asymptomatic patients -- from 2 days prior to test specimen collection to the time the patient is isolated.
We all know that 15 minutes in a 24-hour period is not much time. That can be as simple as a car ride to Walmart and back. We urge the community to behave consistently with the assumption that you and everyone around you has the disease. Please continue to take personal responsibility for your health and the health of the campus by practicing the 3 W’s:
- Wear a face covering when you are indoors. If you are in your own room or office with the door closed, you can remove it, but have it with you in case another person joins you. Wear a face covering outside when you can’t social distance (6 feet or more apart). Face coverings are not just one of the best tools we have to fight the spread of COVID-19, they are mandatory for everyone on campus. Do not go to class, meetings, indoor spaces, or any place where people gather without one.
- Wash your hands frequently and properly. Use soap. Take 20 seconds. Do it right to help promote good hygiene.
- Wait: Keep your distance. Stay at least 6 feet apart whenever possible. Close, prolonged contact is a proven way to spread COVID-19, so avoid it as much as possible.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms. If you feel ill, do not come to campus. Call the COVID-19 Hotline or your personal health care provider to ask if you need to be tested.
- If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, complete the Self-Reporting Form or contact the COVID-19 Hotline.
Our deepening concern is that students — and others — have become too lax in following health protocols, especially while interacting with close friends. This false sense of security is becoming more evident during our contact tracing efforts. While our positive case count remains low, the number of close contacts that must be quarantined to mitigate the spread of the virus is climbing. This strongly suggests that people are not wearing their face coverings and maintaining social distance around their friends. Please be more vigilant in protecting yourself and your friends--and our whole community.
Be on the lookout for our next weekly update — to be posted online Oct. 30. Please 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