As of today, November 19, 2020, Shippensburg University has had 190 reported positive COVID-19 student cases and 8 reported positive COVID-19 staff/faculty cases. The University has 92 active student cases currently and 6 active staff/faculty cases.
TRAVEL ADVISORY: Citing rapidly accelerating positivity rates across the state, Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine has announced on November 18, 2020 more stringent mitigation measures to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The new mitigation and travel measures, which require testing and quarantining, align with our end of semester plans that includes completing on campus activity November 20. Students are encouraged to go home for the holidays, limit travel and plan to return to our campus for the beginning of the spring semester. https://www.shipnews.org/2020/11/18/campus-community-update-on-new-mitigation-measures-from-pa-department-of-health/
REMINDER: Across the country we are seeing rising numbers. Pennsylvania is recording record numbers of positive cases, and while our community has been committed to abiding by prescribed mitigation initiatives, we have seen an influx. The virus is potent, so vigilance is essential. Risky behavior over the this past weekend along with other instances of extended exposure, failure to wear masks, and off-campus gatherings continue to contribute to additional community members testing positive.
HOLIDAY HELPER: While we know the importance of gathering with friends and family over the Holidays, please make sure to follow CDC guidelines and advisories on the best ways to make it through these times while following proper mitigation techniques. Check here for a few helpful holiday hints: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#thanksgiving
ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING: Asymptomatic testing is available for ALL students free of charge and is highly recommended and encouraged. If a student is interested, please contact the Etter Student Wellness Center to make an appointment. X1458. At this time, ASYMPTOMATIC TEST WILL BE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
SYMPTOMATIC TESTING: Etter/WellSpan continues to test for symptomatic students. WellSpan works with each student who arrives and is exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. Symptomatic tests are administered to students who present symptoms in line with COVID-19 infection. At this time, SYMPTOMATIC TEST WILL BE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Since August 20, 2020 we are up to 2130 total tests. 894 symptomatic and 1236 asymptomatic. We have had 91 symptomatic positives and 70 asymptomatic positives from Etter Student Wellness Center with 1969 negative tests. The twenty-nine other positive cases were self-reported after testing off-campus. All testing, Asymptomatic and Symptomatic on our campus is purely voluntary but highly recommended and encouraged, in accordance with State System (PASSHE) directives.
WellSpan follows notification procedures in accordance with the PaDOH (reporting through PA-NEDSS, an electronic database that relays information to the CDC and PA DOH). We are committed to carrying out all PaDOH recommended guidance to help us fulfill our mission of educational excellence and opportunity while promoting the health and well-being of our campus family, community, and region.
Please visit the Health & Well-being dashboard of the Navigate Fall 2020 Website for additional information. All members of the Shippensburg family are urged to visit the Raider Respect webpage to download the Campus Shield self-monitoring app and to find information on COVID-19 exposure, positive COVID-19 cases and case investigation.
On Mondays and Thursdays, the COVID-19 office will email updates on case counts and necessary protocols. The case count will be updated every weekday on the Health & Well-being webpage.
