Between the Zoom calls, classroom capacities, limited gathering sizes and masks covering the faces of every Shark, it’s hard to miss the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on NSU.
After having considerable success in preventing the spread of COVID-19 at NSU last semester, there are still guidelines in place to help keep Sharks healthy in the new year. The university’s rules and recommendations are guided by the Department of Public Health and the CDC and the protocols on campus, such as those regarding face coverings and social distancing, are reflective of that.
For students who are coming to back campus for the first time since last March or those who have not been on campus until now, there are protocols in place that have been carried over from 2020. It is recommended that students stay up to date on said rules and recommendations in order to continue the positive practices of students from the previous semester. Additionally, for students who are returning to campus after being in person last semester, Beth Welmaker, the executive director of environmental health and safety for NSU, encouraged these students to remain vigilant and not become complacent.
“We have done a very good job of not spreading COVID-19 on campus. We haven’t had outbreaks, and if we’re not vigilant about our behavior, that’s going to change. I really hope that we can remain vigilant, and if we can, I feel very confident that we’re going to have the same success this winter and spring that we had in the fall,” said Welmaker.
Additionally, as per an email sent to all NSU students, faculty and staff on Nov. 13, anyone returning to campus next semester after “socializing outside of the CDC guidelines” or using mass transportation is expected to practice self-isolation for two weeks before attending any in-person activities. For more information regarding this policy, reference the “Fall Semester Update and Winter/Spring Reminders” email from the Office of the President.
The Current has compiled a quick list of some links, numbers and emails to help navigate the second wave of the Return of the Sharks. Whether you need to print the information out, bookmark this page or write it in your planner, these valuable resources can help the NSU community stay on the path for another successful semester. Some of these resources are also expanded upon in further detail below.
NSU Telehealth number: (954) 262-4100
COVID-19 dedicated email: COVIDcase@nova.edu
NSU’s COVID-19 website: www.nova.edu/coronavirus, link
Return of the Sharks Guidelines: for students and faculty
Symptoms of COVID-19 and self-isolation information: link
Reporting an active or potential case of COVID-19 forms: link
NSU COVID-19 FAQs: link
If a student is having any symptoms, they are advised to reach out to NSU’s Telehealth line at (954) 262-4100, where they will be connected to a physician who will review their symptoms and, if needed, schedule a COVID-19 test on campus. Additionally, students can email COVIDcase@nova.edu to provide updates on their symptoms and test results, even if the results are still pending, and to get assigned a COVID-19 case manager to oversee the situation and offer assistance, if necessary. Emailing COVIDcase will also immediately provide students with the Telehealth number, as well as links to employee and graduate/professional student report forms, the undergraduate student form and the form to report exposures. Students, staff and faculty can visit NSU’s dedicated website, www.nova.edu/coronavirus, for up to date information regarding COVID-19 at the university.
