[Return to Guilford's COVID-19 Hub]
This week we have received encouraging news in our testing efforts, but we are mindful of the troubling surges in reported COVID-19 cases in our region and throughout the country. It remains absolutely imperative that everyone take personal responsibility in safeguarding your health and the wellbeing of our entire community.
COVID Testing
On Oct. 27, our random testing clinic involved 233 community members and other people who chose to be tested. We are pleased to share that no new positive cases have been revealed to this point, with only five test results still outstanding.
We were notified of one additional positive case from an off-campus community member who was self-tested outside of our testing clinics. This community member is isolating off campus and doing well.
Here are our current COVID-19 statistics at the time of this email:
- We have had 29 identified positive cases since move-in day, Thursday, Aug. 13.
- We have had 19 positive cases since the beginning of classes, Wednesday, Aug. 19.
- We are currently managing 3 active positive cases. All 3 cases should finish their isolation period by the beginning of next week. 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 11 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 3988 tests, with 22 positive cases from those testing clinics.
Testing Next Week
We will have two testing clinics next week on Thursday, Nov. 5, and Friday, Nov. 6. Those who are selected for the random testing will be notified on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The testing will occur from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the gym area of Ragan Brown Field House. If you are not selected but would still like to be tested, there will be a link in the Wednesday and Thursday Guilford Buzz to sign up for a timeslot.
Stay Safe During Halloween
Halloween comes at a time where most are eager to unwind after months of Zoom calls and remote learning. I understand that you want to celebrate, and I also want you to, but it needs to be in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of yourself and others. Here are some tips to keep in mind while we celebrate Halloween in the midst of a pandemic:
- A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face. Second, do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
- The CDC has provided several alternative ways to participate in Halloween while mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Some of these alternative activities are:
- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
- Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
- Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
- Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
- Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
- I also understand that despite our recommendations, some may choose to attend Halloween gatherings. Such gatherings are totally irresponsible and dangerous — the type of activities that we have tragically seen lead to “Super Spreader Events” nationwide. If anyone should see or hear anything that needs to be addressed please call the COVID-19 hotline (336.316.2319) or submit an Anonymous Report.
We conducted our third COVID-19 Town Hall Meeting this afternoon. We were pleased to hear from two of our Public Health Interns, Hannah Preston and Savannah Henry, who did a fantastic job with providing information about COVID-19 and prevention methods to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Here is the link to the Zoom recording:
- Oct. 30 COVID-19 Town Hall / Password: &MCeb0!5
Be on the lookout for our next weekly update to be posted online Nov. 7. Please remember that if you have any questions related to COVID-19 and our efforts to mitigate the pandemic on campus, 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