Virus Action Team update: Survey being conducted on GVSU testing program

The Virus Action Team has emailed a survey to some students, faculty and staff members asking for input to help improve the GVSU COVID-19 Testing Program.

COVID testing allows Grand Valley to assess the community's safety and provides university leadership real-time data leading to informed decisions on interventions and response.

Students who participate in the survey can choose to enter a drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Starbucks. 

Staying Strong

With the peak of flu season approaching and many planning to visit family for the holidays, members of the Virus Action Team reminded the campus community to follow proper procedures to protect themselves and others.

An updated flow chart is available outlining next steps for students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to COVID. The flow chart can be found on the Lakers Together website.

New CDC guidelines for exposure

The Centers for Disease Control has modified its COVID-19 exposure criteria. Exposure is now defined as being within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for 15 cumulative minutes in a 24-hour period, regardless of PPE. Shorter but repeated contacts that add up to 15 minutes over a 24-hour period now count as close contact.

Consistent with CDC guidance, GVSU requires anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient to quarantine for a minimum of two weeks.

To reduce risk of becoming a close contact or of contracting COVID-19, maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible, wear a face covering, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol.

The new guidelines do not affect current GVSU protocols for face coverings and social distancing in classrooms and other spaces.