“We’re using the tools and knowledge we’ve gained throughout the pandemic as our guide, and each of us is now in a better position to make individual decisions about how to protect ourselves and others,” Sarwari added.
· Testing, vaccines and reporting procedures;
· requirements for masks;
· isolation procedures;
· classroom seating charts; AND
· Pandemic information/resources website.
TThe university will continue to monitor public health data and reevaluate campus guidelines, if necessary.
vaccinations
WVU strongly encourages, but does not require, that everyone stay optimally protected against COVID-19 by receiving their primary vaccine series and staying up-to-date with a booster dose if they are eligible to receive one.
To determine when they are eligible and when they should receive a booster shot (or any vaccine for COVID-19), West Virginia residents are encouraged to use the WV COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator, a free online tool that helps anyone understand when it might be due to a vaccine for COVID-19. Access the calculator by scrolling down to vaccinate.wv.gov.
WVU Medical Student Health will continue to offer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to WVU students at its clinic in the Health and Education building on the Morgantown campus. Vaccines are also available through a number of local health departments and private sector pharmacies.
Students and employees are not required to verify or update their vaccination status with the University.
They in Health Sciences Campus involved in patient care, including residents, fellows, and students, are required to attend separately WVU Health System or other clinical provider policies, including those related to COVID-19 such as vaccines, masks, and PPE.
Testing, reporting and isolation
WVU will not require testing prior to campus attendance; however, students and employees are encouraged to take advantage of self-antigen testing or community testing opportunities before and during the semester.
COVID-19 tests are available through local health departments, pharmacies, and through the federal government’s website, covidtests.govwhich allows people to sign up for free COVID-19 tests that will be delivered directly to the individual’s family.
Students and employees are not required to report positive test results to the University, but are expected to attend CDC guidelines for isolation and notify close contacts.
Any student living in a residence hall who tests positive for COVID-19 must notify WVU Shared Services by email at [email protected] or call 304-293-6006 to initiate a process to move the student into isolation housing provided in Lyon Tower. The university will provide access to transportation and food for those in isolation on campus. Residence hall students may also choose to isolate themselves off campus.
Masks, classes and quests
Masks are not required on WVU campuses, but are always welcome. The university will stock dispensers with disposable masks and hand sanitizer.
If a person contracts COVID-19, they should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask for another 5 days while in the classroom or other indoor spaces.
While faculty and counselors may not require masks, they may share that they prefer masks to be worn in their classrooms and offices. Virtual options for office meetings outside of the classroom are available for those who are uncomfortable meeting without a mask.
Faculty are not required to create seat boards this semester.
Students who contract COVID-19 will be responsible for notifying instructors and working with them on a plan for missed classes and course work.
Those who participate in human subjects research must follow the recommendations CDC guidelines.
For personal safety and the safety of others, students and employees should not ignore symptoms of COVID-19. Those with symptoms of COVID-19 should not report to campus for work or class.
Pandemic information, resources
WVU will no longer maintain a University-specific chart for COVID-19 as data is available through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
Pandemic information, related resources, and links to previously archived WVU panels are available at wvu.edu/covid.
Questions about COVID-19 and WVU’s health and safety protocols can be emailed to [email protected] or by calling 304-293-6006.
-WVU-
and/7/27/22
MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Director of News Communication
Relations with the University
304-293-8302; [email protected]
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.
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