Virus Action Team update: COVID-19 cases increasing

The Grand Valley community has risen to the challenges of the pandemic this academic year, but our work is not done. COVID-19 cases across the state and in our surrounding communities are increasing.

The GVSU Data Dashboard shows daily new cases of COVID-19 in the GVSU community have been increasing in March. During the past week, we have seen an average of about six new cases per day, compared to about two cases per day in mid-February. This type of increase warrants careful attention. This week, nearly one-third of the current cases are students who live on campus.

We encourage everyone to continue to practice safety protocols, including wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and avoiding gatherings. 

Expanded Student Testing

The GVSU COVID-19 Testing Program is expanding free, on-campus antigen testing for students. Invitations to test will now be sent weekly to:

• Students who are taking in-person classes.
• Students who live on or near campus.
• Students who are expected to be on campus in some capacity.
• The invitation process for faculty and staff will remain the same.

NOTE: We are no longer using random selection for invitations. Students, faculty and staff who have tested positive within the past three months or have completed a COVID-19 vaccination series will not be invited to test.

COVID-19 Variants

• The Ottawa County Department of Public Health notified GVSU on March 11 that the U-K B.1.1.7 variant was detected on campus, indicating variants are circulating within our community.
• Travel poses one of the highest risks for contracting a COVID-19 variant, which spread easier than the original virus.
• Florida has one of the highest variant rates in the country.
• Follow CDC travel guidance to reduce the risk of getting COVID while traveling and the GVSU Travel Guidelines upon return, which include testing three-to-five days after returning from travel, or sooner if you develop symptoms.

Vaccine Registration

Your best opportunity to receive a vaccination is through your health care provider or county health department.

• Health departments have different processes for scheduling and registration. Click here to find your local health department protocols.
• West Michigan information is available at Vaccinate West Michigan.
• If you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, you must continue to follow all GVSU policies and guidelines regarding the virus.

Policy Updates

• Minor updates were recently made to the GVSU Face Covering Policy and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) preparedness and response plan.