Message from SU COVID Office: November 23 update

As of today, November 23, 2020, Shippensburg University has had 222 reported positive COVID-19 student cases and 9 reported positive COVID-19 staff/faculty cases. The University has 101 active student cases currently and 4 active staff/faculty cases.

TRAVEL ADVISORY: Citing rapidly accelerating positivity rates across the state, Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine has announced on November 23, 2020 additional mitigation orders and recommendations to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus:(https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/as-covid-19-cases-reach-critical-levels-wolf-admin-announces-new-mitigation-efforts/?fbclid=IwAR3DkK3XpO8RoS1xKfqUni_tTVLEJjWthHW8qPV3MCu9qdGTOAiZ8p4HhZI )

These measures to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus  are in addition to the previously announced steps on November 19, 2020 ( https://www.shipnews.org/2020/11/18/campus-community-update-on-new-mitigation-measures-from-pa-department-of-health/ ) 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.

COVID -19 UPDATE: Going forward, these updates from the COVID Office at Shippensburg University will be sent out once a week until the commencement of the Spring 2021 semester. The Website COVID-19 Dashboard will continue to be updated to reflect COVID-19 positive cases among the Shippensburg Community.

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

TESTING: Asymptomatic and Symptomatic 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.

Since August 20, 2020 we are up to 2428 total tests. 1196 rapid symptomatic/asymptomatic Antigen tests and 1232 asymptomatic PCR tests. We have had 123 symptomatic/asymptomatic rapid  positives and 67 asymptomatic positives from Etter Student Wellness Center with 2238 negative tests. The thirty two 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.