Western Kentucky University: Message From Director EHS And Emergency Manager David Oliver - Fall Semester Coronavirus Message

Paducah KY

14 August, 2021

2:37 PM

Description

Press release from Western Kentucky University: August 13, 2021 While the late spring and summer yielded lower rates of COVID-19 infections and hospital admissions, in the weeks leading to the start of or fall semester, our region, the Commonwealth, and the nation are seeing a significant rise in all COVID-19 data points. As a result, WKU has adjusted our protective measures accordingly. These Include: 1. Vaccine promotion Get vaccinated! COVID-19 vaccines are readily available both on campus at Graves Gilbert Clinic and across the country at clinics, pharmacies, and physicians' offices (www.vaccines.gov). If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, please seek the advice of your doctor or another health care professional. Vaccines are the most effective deterrent against transmission of the virus or serious illness if you do contract it. Once fully vaccinated, quarantine is no longer necessary if exposed to a positive case. Even if you have had COVID-19, it's still important to get the vaccine. Also, next week, WKU will launch a vaccination status self-reporting form. 2. Face masks At this time, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are expected to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces at WKU. While current guidelines from public health officials indicate masks are not typically needed outdoors, and the university's mask requirement extends only to indoor locations, WKU supports those who choose to wear a mask outdoors. 3. Daily health checks It is also important that you monitor your own health. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, stay home and away from others. If the symptoms persist or rapidly get worse, go to the WKU Clinic or other health care facility and get tested. 4. Positive case and close contact reporting WKU's COVID assistance telephone line is available 24 hours a day at 270-745-2019. To report a positive case or close contact, please call the assistance line. Keep in mind that all WKU faculty, staff, and students are required to report a positive test result or close contact within four hours of being notified. The assistance line is available to help address questions regarding COVID-19. Beginning next week, WKU will restart the COVID-19 Campus Community Dashboard to track our number of positive cases. Specific information regarding these and other COVID-19 initiatives can be accessed at www.wku.edu/healthyonthehill. Please do your part to help us all stay healthy on the Hill this fall. Go Tops! Dr. David E. Oliver Ed.D, CSP, CEMDirector Environmental Health & SafetyEmergency Manager This press release was produced by Western Kentucky University. The views expressed here are the author's own.