Tuesday and Wednesday, March 2 and 3, respectively, have been designated non-instructional days meaning there are no classes; therefore, allowing students to catch-up on assignments, reading, sleep, and even laundry.
Because spring break is canceled this semester, non-instructional days were built into the academic calendar.
“We’re strongly encouraging students to make good use of this time by staying on campus and getting things accomplished. This is a good opportunity to get ahead in the semester,” Campus President Jennifer Orlikoff said.
As outlined on the WVU What You Need to Know/Travel web page:
Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Airports, bus stations, train stations, hotels, food stops and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces. These are also spaces where it can be hard to physical distance .
Traveling to visit family may be especially dangerous if you or your loved ones are more likely to get very ill from COVID-19.
Some types of travel and activities can put you at a higher risk for exposure to COVID-19. Examples of these activities and situations include:
o Being in an area that is experiencing high levels of COVID-19. Check each state and location’s cases before you travel.
o Going to large social gatherings like a wedding, funeral or party.
o Attending mass gathering like a sporting event, concert or parade.
o Being in crowds.
o Traveling in confined spaces such as on a plane, train, bus, cruise ship or boat.
Just this week WVU confirmed three cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 having been detected in the Morgantown area – two are WVU students.
The B.1.1.7 variant, also known as the U.K. variant, originated in the United Kingdom and is believed to be more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19. Forty-two other states have reported 1,523 cases, including in all states bordering West Virginia; officials believe it will become the dominant strain in the U.S. within a month.
The University is working closely with the Monongalia County Health Department in its case investigation and contact tracing. It is believed that the three individuals who have tested positive for the variant are related to one another and have not visited the WVU campus during their infectious period.
“While this is not unexpected, it reinforces why it is so important to protect yourself and others by continuing to wear a mask when you are in public spaces and around others you do not live with, wash your hands frequently and carefully self-monitor for symptoms,” Dr. Jeffrey Coben, vice president for Health Affairs and dean of the School of Public Health, said.
Potomac State College students or employees who experience COVID-19 symptoms, must quarantine and get tested. Free, walk-in community testing is available through the Mineral County Health Department. Check their Facebook page for dates and times.
More information on the B .1.1.7 variant can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. The University will continue to monitor the public health conditions.
Students and employees can learn more about how to respond to potential COVID-19 exposure at the What to Do If ... page of the Return to Campus website. Email questions to returntocampus@mail.wvu.edu.