All schools in Grant County will be remote learning on Wed. Nov. 18, 2020. Staff are to report.
All Hampshire County Schools will be doing remote instruction from Wed., Nov. 18 – Fri., Nov. 20. Thanksgiving Curbside Meal PickUp on Nov. 20 will include 10 breakfasts & 10 lunches – Contact Schools for times. No School – Nov. 23-27, 2020
As of (11/13), there are 11 additional positive COVID-19 test results reported at WVU Potomac State. https://www.wvu.edu/return-to…/daily-test-results/keyser
WVU Potomac State: WVU shifting classes online across all campuses, including WVU Potomac State College, ahead of holiday break
Due to the increased number of COVID-19 cases within the state and on West Virginia University’s campuses, including Morgantown, Keyser and Beckley, all undergraduate instruction will move online Nov. 23-24.
Residence halls and dining services on the WVU Potomac State College campus will remain open and operating on a normal schedule through Wednesday, Nov. 25, at noon, to allow students to remain on campus and attend classes online should they be waiting for COVID-test results or transportation home.
The Mary F. Shipper Library will be open as follows for virtual support:
Sunday, Nov. 22 – 4 to 8 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 23 – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 24 – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Academic Success Center will be open Nov. 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for virtual support and appointments.
Additionally, the deadline to withdraw from courses has been extended to Dec. 4. Students considering this option should be aware that withdrawing from courses may negatively affect financial aid, scholarships and progression in their course of study. Students should contact their academic adviser if they have questions about the impact of withdrawing from a course.
“Now more than ever, we ask our students, faculty and staff to stay home and away from those outside of your immediate bubble as much as possible,” Dr. Carmen Burrell, medical director of WVU Medicine Student Health and Urgent Care, said. “If you have to be out or travel, follow the safety guidance that has been put in place to protect you and others, especially our more vulnerable residents.”
· Wear a mask (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated guidance to show that masks help protect the wearer, as well as for the people around those wearing them.)
· Practice physical distancing
· Avoid large gatherings and confined spaces with others
· Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer if soap is not available
· Stay home if feeling ill (Completing the daily wellness survey may help to monitor for symptoms.)
· Consider getting tested before travel
The University has shared guidance for holiday gatherings and travel.
As part of the WVU Potomac State College’s ongoing surveillance testing efforts and in order to keep its students and their families safe, the College is requiring all students that currently reside on campus to participate in COVID testing on Wednesday Nov. 18 at the J. Edward Kelley Rec Center on campus. This gives students an opportunity to test before returning home for the holiday and completion of the semester.
If students participated in last week’s round of testing, they do not have to participate but can if they choose to do so. If an individual has not been tested yet or tested prior to Nov. 11, the College will still require participation in this upcoming testing opportunity Nov. 18. Please note, if you have already gone home for the semester you are not required to test.
Students failing to comply with these testing requirements, will be subject to disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct. Consequences may include interim suspension, educational requirements, removal from courses, a campus ban in designated areas, removal from residence halls, University probation, deferred suspension, suspension or expulsion, or fines.
Testing data is among the several key COVID-19 indicators the University is monitoring to determine the raising or lowering of our institutional recovery response levels. The University transitioned to fully online instruction on Nov. 12.
Updated Nov. 17, 2020
Key indicators we continue to monitor:
- Prevalence rate: Currently 13 cases. These are cases considered still contagious based on CDC guidelines. The prevalence of cases has been trending downward over the past week (down from 45 at this time last week).
- Positivity rate: The rate reported by different schools and
different agencies are calculated using different factors, over different
amounts of time, and based on varying factors. If you read explanations on
website reporting positivity rates, you will see this.
- FSU-administered tests are shown in this first chart.
(This means that FSU knows the outcome of every test taken, whether
positive or negative). These are the rates that most other USM schools
report and are what the Maryland Department of Health uses in its
evaluation of campuses.
- 7-day rate (11/8 to 11/14): 5.65%
- 14-day rate (11/1 to 11/14): 7.44%
- FSU-administered tests are shown in this first chart.
(This means that FSU knows the outcome of every test taken, whether
positive or negative). These are the rates that most other USM schools
report and are what the Maryland Department of Health uses in its
evaluation of campuses.
- RESULTS FROM Nov. 1–14, 2020
| NEGATIVE TESTS | POSITIVE TESTS |
TOTAL
VALIDATED TEST RESULTS | |
|
UNIVERSITY-ADMINISTERED
TEST RESULTS |
423 92.56% |
34 7.44% |
457 100.00% |
Since the beginning of the semester, FSU has administered 9,740 COVID-19 tests, including two universal testing events, biweekly surveillance and cluster testing, weekly athletics testing and testing of symptomatic individuals at Brady Health.
COMBINED UNIVERSITY ADMINISTERED AND SELF-REPORTED TEST RESULTS: This second chart is the aggregate testing result number for the two-week period and reflects the consistent measure we have reported biweekly throughout the semester. This number includes self-reported positive COVID-19 cases, which tend to include primarily positive tests, not negative ones, because of the difficulty in receiving documentation of negative tests. However, any positive test results we can confirm in our university community is valuable information that we are using to evaluate our status. This is the number we have reported since the beginning of the semester.
- RESULTS FROM Nov. 1–14, 2020
| NEGATIVE TESTS | POSITIVE TESTS |
TOTAL
VALIDATED TEST RESULTS | |
| COMBINED UNIVERSITY-ADMINISTERED AND SELF-REPORTED TESTS |
455 86.17% |
73 13.83% |
528 100.00% |
Additional information: The combined testing data above includes 71 self-reported tests uploaded to the University portal: 39 positive results and 32 negative results.
This will be the last Test Results Update for Fall 2020. The University currently remains at pandemic response Level 2.
Other factors we monitor:
- Case clustering (whether
contact tracing can identify a common factor among cases and the
likelihood of spread outside those clusters):
Contact tracing has confirmed that the majority of our cases are still in clusters of socially intertwined individuals. - Wastewater testing: Our campus wastewater sampling data is supporting testing trends.
- Isolation capacity and Brady Health Center capacity.
- We have 32 isolation/quarantine rooms at an off-campus hotel for on-campus students with documented positive cases or contact-tracing identified close contact. For most of the semester, we have used less than half of this capacity.
- Brady Health, an ambulatory health center, has two of its five exam rooms designated as dedicated isolation rooms for sick patients. It requires 30 minutes in between patients to disinfect those rooms per the guidelines. A significant increase in sick patient visits and requirements for consents to the off-campus hotel impacts the ability of Brady to maintain patient flow.
- Symptomology: The severity of symptoms among the majority of those testing positive is also being monitored. With a few exceptions, those being overseen by Brady Health have reported relatively minor symptoms thus far.
- Mitigating risks: We also consider our ability to mitigate continued risks through implementing strategies such as sending disinfecting teams into areas of concern, increasing surveillance testing among cohorts, and closely monitoring correlations between wastewater samples as a predictive variable for positivity rates.
Regarding the decision to go to all online instruction as of Thursday, Nov. 12: Guidance from the University System of Maryland, Governor Hogan’s Office, and concerns about the rising number of cases and positivity rate in Allegany County overall were key to our Nov. 11 decision to complete the semester online. We kept the University System and Allegany County Health Department informed of our actions.
Exclusions from asymptomatic testing: The total number of tests listed above excludes students or employees who since initial testing indicated they were NOT and had no plans to be on campus; who opted to work/study remotely following the first round of universal testing and will not be on campus; who left the University following the first round of universal testing; who tested positive for COVID-19 during a designated period; who are employees of UMCES Appalachian Laboratory or students/employees at USMH; who were granted individual exemptions from testing for various reasons (approved leave, student teaching, unable to attend due to work schedule, etc.).
Important Notes:
INDIVIDUALS WITH POSITIVE RESULTS: All individuals with positive tests are immediately called by a healthcare professional and contract tracing by the Allegany County or State of Maryland health departments begins. They are required to isolate away from campus. Read detailed information about Return to Class and Return to Work guidance.
IDENTIFICATION: To protect individuals’ private health information, FSU will not identify anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
SURVEILLANCE TESTING: Throughout the semester, the University will conduct surveillance testing of non-symptomatic individuals. Officials will closely monitor these results to determine possible further action.
FSU continues to emphasize that individual precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – wearing a face mask in all interactions with others, remaining socially distanced (6 feet) from any other person and frequent hand-washing – must continue. Daily use of the online check-in, www.frostburg.edu/checkin, is required of anyone on campus.
There were TWELVE (12) new cases today. There are many contacts to these positive cases that are quarantined and are being monitored.
Grant County Rehabilitation and Care Center reported 2 staff members and 1 resident testing positive for COVID. CDC and WV DHHR guidelines for Outbreak Response in a Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) are being followed.
Due to the increased numbers of positive cases in the County, contact tracing in schools, and lack of staff to keep the schools open, the decision was made to go to remote learning in all Grant County Schools beginning on November 18, 2020. The plan is to return to in school instruction on December 3, 2020.
Everyone must do their part to prevent the continued spread of this virus. Social Distance by always maintaining 6 feet distance from everyone not in your household, avoid crowds, WEAR that mask, and practice good hand hygiene.
267 Total COVID Cases
• 219 Confirmed Positive COVID cases
• 48 Probable COVID cases (Probable cases are those that have a positive test from a rapid antigen test).
• 204 Total Recovered
• 50 Active Cases. Four are hospitalized.
• 13 Deaths, of these: 9 Deaths listed as COVID related (6 from GRCC).
Call Grant Memorial Hospital (304) 257 1026 and press 5 to speak to an ER nurse or Grove Street Health Center at 304-257-2451 or Mt. Storm Health Center to help determine if testing is indicated and instructions how to proceed if you develop symptoms, (loss of taste or smell, fever, cough, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, headache or diarrhea). Remain isolated from others until you receive your test result and are cleared to discontinue isolation.
The Hampshire County Health Department has received 16 (13 confirmed and 3 *probable) cases today. Case investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.
*Probable case – case identified through rapid testing. Rapid tests are not a confirmatory test with the state.
Hampshire County’s current case count is 218 confirmed, 22 probable, 49 active, 1 death and 6 hospitalizations.
Free testing available at Hampshire Memorial Wednesday-Friday 9a-1p.
Care for your community and wear your mask!
The Hardy County Health Department and Hardy County Office of Emergency Management has four additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hardy County, making 39 active cases, with a total confirmed case count of 171. We have had one confirmed COVID-19 death. We currently have 35 patients in quarantine at home, following proper protocol to protect their neighbors and community. Four patients are currently hospitalized due to severe symptoms of COVID-19. Due to privacy, additional information regarding the persons, area of residence, and travel history will not be disclosed. The Hardy County Health Department has completed the necessary contact tracing to ensure the safety of close contacts and to prevent additional transmission. Hardy County now has 131 individuals recovered, included in the total confirmed case count of 171.
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, lung problems, and diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
There are vaccines under development and testing, but none released yet to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The Hardy County Health Department as always recommends everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Avoiding exposure to others who are sick.
Staying home when you are ill.
Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).
DHHR’s COVID-19 information hotline 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304 and state website at http://www.coronavirus.wv.gov/
For local information, please call Hardy County Health Dept at 304-530-6355 or visit the Health Department’s website at http://www.hardycountyhealthdepartment.com/ All media inquiries, contact David Maher, Hardy Sheriff PIO at 304-530-0221 or [email protected].
The Maryland Department of Health announced today a new round of #MasksOnMaryland distribution events in Allegany, Dorchester, and Montgomery counties. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, each jurisdiction will host an event providing free face masks to residents.
“Wearing a mask is an easy way to join the fight and help protect those around you,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “I urge all Marylanders to please do the right thing by taking this simple, effective step.”
The state has had an executive order in place since July 31 requiring all Marylanders over the age of five to wear face coverings whenever it is not possible to maintain physical distancing. Governor Hogan recently reminded Marylanders that the state’s mask order carries the full force of the law.
With widespread community transmission across the state and surging COVID-19 metrics across the country, Governor Larry Hogan today announced immediate actions to prevent overburdening the state’s healthcare system and to keep more Marylanders from dying.
“We are in a war right now, and the virus is winning,” said Governor Hogan. “Now more than ever, I am pleading with the people of our state to stand together a while longer to help us battle this surging virus. Your family and friends are counting on you, your neighbors are counting on you, and your fellow Marylanders are counting on you to stay ‘Maryland Strong.’”
Dr. Thomas Scalea, physician-in-chief of shock trauma at the University of Maryland Medical Center, also spoke at today’s press conference.
In addition to today’s new actions, the governor announced that he will participate in a call on Thursday with President-elect Joe Biden and his transition team.
NEW ACTIONS EFFECTIVE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 AT 5 PM:
The governor has issued an emergency order that takes the following actions—effective Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m.:
10 PM CLOSURE FOR BARS AND RESTAURANTS STATEWIDE. All bars, restaurants, and venues serving food and alcohol must close between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for the purposes of carryout and delivery.
LIMITED CAPACITY FOR RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS AND RELIGIOUS FACILITIES. Capacity at retail establishments and religious facilities will be reduced to 50%, bringing them into line with indoor dining and personal services businesses, as well as bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, roller and ice skating rinks, fitness centers, and social and fraternal clubs.
NO FANS FOR RACETRACKS AND STADIUMS. No fans will be permitted at racetracks or professional and collegiate stadiums across the state.
Businesses with questions about today’s orders should contact [email protected].
ACTIONS ON HOSPITAL SURGE MANAGEMENT AND VISITATION:
HOSPITAL VISITATION PROHIBITED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. State health officials have issued an emergency order to prohibit all hospital visitation until further notice with some exceptions—including end-of-life care, obstetrics, parents or guardians of minors, and support for people with disabilities. Read the order.
NEW HOSPITAL SURGE MANAGEMENT ORDER. State health officials have issued an emergency order allowing hospitals that are either full or nearing capacity limits to transfer patients to hospitals that are equipped to provide them with the care they need. This will help alleviate the overcrowded hospitals in some areas of the state, and place patients in hospitals where beds are available. Read the order.
GUIDANCE ON ELECTIVE PROCEDURES. State health officials have issued guidance warning hospitals and other medical facilities to avoid any elective procedure admissions that are not urgent or life-saving—especially if they are likely to require prolonged artificial ventilation, ICU admissions, or may have a high probability of requiring post-hospital care in a skilled nursing facility. Read the guidance.
ACTIONS ON HOTSPOTS AND NURSING HOMES:
NEW LIMITATIONS ON NURSING HOME VISITATION. Until further notice, indoor visitation at Maryland nursing homes will generally be limited to compassionate care, and all visitors must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours prior to their visit. Read the order.
NURSING HOME TESTING SURGE. State health officials have issued an order instituting mandatory twice-weekly testing for all staff at Maryland nursing homes, as well as mandatory weekly testing for all nursing home residents—effective no later than Friday, November 20. Read the order.
MORE RAPID RESPONSE TEAMS FOR HOTSPOTS AND OUTBREAKS. To tackle acute outbreaks, Governor Hogan is doubling the number of rapid response teams deployed to provide an extra level of triage and supplement local staffing needs.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says the sad reality is more people are being infected with COVID-19. He says there is widespread community transmission in every corner of the state. During a press conference he announced several updates to statewide restrictions.
All hospital visitation is prohibited until further notice statewide with the exceptions of compassionate care, parents of minors, obstetrics and support for patients with disabilities
Hospitals are or nearing capacity limits may transfer patients to hospitals that are able to provide necessary care
Indoor visits at nursing homes will generally be limited to compassionate care and all visitors must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test results
There will be mandatory twice weekly testing for all nursing home staff and weekly testing for all residents.
Effective Friday at 5pm dine in service at bars, restaurant and other establishments must close at 10pm.
Counties are called on to strictly enforce all mandates and executive orders that under the state constitution carry the full weight of the law.
Stage 2 50% capacity limits will be effective Friday at 5pm.
Fans will no longer be permitted at professional or college sporting events.
Statewide mask order remains in place for all indoor public areas.
In Maryland we remain in a state of emergency.
Avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, social distancing and getting a COVID-19 test are all critical to slow the spread of the virus.
According to a statement from UPMC Western Maryland” Because we are part of a 40-hospital academic medical center, UPMC Western Maryland is working within our system to share resources, transfer patients and manage capacity, and conferring closely with leadership to ensure all needs are met. UPMC is well-prepared to handle this situation within the UPMC system. We are confident that UPMC Western Maryland will continue to serve the needs of all who seek care.”