Between the new BlendFlex model, 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.
As of Nov. 16, there were no active cases of COVID-19 among residential students, although two cases resolved over the weekend on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14. Off campus, there are three undergraduate students who have reported active positive cases, but these students do not live in the residence halls. Additionally, there are 12 students in quarantine — 10 of which live off campus and the other two live in Rolling Hills and The Commons. The two self quarantines on campus were related to exposures to COVID-19, although both of these cases will be resolved, or no longer active, after Nov. 16. Neither student developed symptoms or cases of COVID-19.
As many students travel home for winter break or for the transition to online learning after Nov. 20, Beth Welmaker, the executive director of environmental health and safety for NSU, stressed the importance of remaining diligent and proactive to lower the risk of infecting family and friends.
“We all now know what it takes to stop the spread of COVID-19 and it’s not expensive. It doesn’t require special equipment. It requires us being smart about keeping our distance from others and wearing a face covering,” said Welmaker.
Additionally, Welmaker encouraged students to remain vigilant as far as paying attention to any potential symptoms due to the high community spread of COVID-19. After traveling, whether that be home in the coming weeks or back to campus as planned in January, it is recommended that individuals avoid being around others and make decisions that will stop and prevent further spreading of COVID-19.
“We’re very social people and I think we’re really tired of living this way. It’s hard, but when we’re around others, we can’t pretend we don’t know we’re rolling the dice and putting each other at risk for potentially getting or spreading [COVID-19],” said Welmaker.
This semester has, in general, been considered very successful, in terms of stopping and slowing the spread of COVID-19 at NSU. Despite some cases of COVID-19 among students, the university has not had any reported large outbreaks during the fall 2020 term. If the NSU community stays this course, Welmaker said that she expects the same success next semester.
“We are exceptionally proud of our students who are doing the right thing. I would also like to point out that I do recognize that the majority of our students are doing the right thing. [While] we have a couple that haven’t done the right thing, I don’t allow that to cloud my perspective or appreciation for all the students that are committed and have demonstrated their commitment to containing the spread of this virus,” said Welmaker.
Currently, the plans for COVID-19-related rules and recommendations remain unwavering for the winter 2021 semester with guidance from the Department of Health and the CDC. NSU does not plan to make any changes to distancing and face covering guidelines at this time, unless public health guidance is modified. To help facilitate providing up to date information, the university has also developed a new website, www.nova.edu/coronavirus, where members of the university community can easily access safety guidelines, fast facts on COVID-19 and a variety of resources relating to clinics, coping with stress, prevention tips and more.
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.
