Mar 31: Weekly Update from President Nowaczyk

Mar 31, 2021 3:59 PM

Good afternoon, 

It is essential to test twice every week AND follow proper health and safety guidance. Last week, we saw an increase in our positive cases (mainly students) — the region, state and nation have seen increases as well. I’ve also seen some slack in mask wearing on campus. 

Remember that COVID is still very contagious, especially new variants of the virus. THE VIRUS IS IN OUR COMMUNITY. Abide by our social compact and, again, importantly:

If you are on campus, test twice a week, every week. (More info at this link.) 

  • Wear your mask and wear it properly.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
  • Avoid parties, crowds and any unmasked gatherings with people outside your household. The increase we’ve seen on campus has been traced in part to student-to-student interactions not following health guidelines.
  • Monitor your symptoms and use the COVID Check-in Portal
A few reminders for the week:

Vaccinations

The state has moved into Phase 2B, which includes Marylanders age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 illness, and Marylanders with disabilities. I encourage you — if you are eligible — to seek a vaccine when possible. Phase 1, 2A, and 2B eligible populations are now able to pre-register online at Maryland.gov COVID-19 Vaccinations in Maryland or by phone through the state’s COVID-19 vaccination support center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). Also make sure your name is on the Allegany County Health Department/PC Western Maryland Vaccine Interest Form. There is still no indication of if we will receive doses of the vaccine to distribute here on campus.

Also, if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination — 1st dose, 2nd dose or single shot — through any provider, please log into FSU COVID Check-in Portal, look for “My Vaccines” in the menu at the top right, and record your information. 

Stay safe and be well,
Ronald Nowaczyk, PhD