Updated March 1

The number of new COVID-19 cases in the Grand Valley community continues to be low, as indicated on the GVSU data dashboard. This reflects everyone’s good work as we continue to follow face covering and social distancing guidelines, get tested and avoid large gatherings. 

Consent for Testing

Consent for COVID-19 testing at GVSU has now been incorporated into the online self-assessment. This eliminates the need to sign a paper form each time you test and speeds up the testing process. 

• Consent allows GVSU, Spectrum Health and Trident, the lab we work with, to share data with each other as needed, as well as with public health entities as required by law. 
• Once consent is given, a blue “Consent” box will be reflected on the self-assessment and will remain unless consent is revoked.
• NOTE: Those who choose not to consent online can continue to complete their self-assessment, but will not be able to be tested for COVID-19 at GVSU testing sites.

Events and Travel Reminders

Grand Valley continues to follow state and CDC guidelines for travel and in-person events. Please check the Lakers Together website for complete information regarding travel and event guidelines, recommendations and requirements.

Antigen Testing

We will switch to antigen testing in our surveillance testing program beginning March 1; our symptomatic clinic will begin using antigen testing March 8. This will allow for additional testing hours and a turnaround time of about one hour for test results.

• Those invited to test will be able to schedule up to two tests per week.
• We will continue to use a self-administered nasal swab as our method for testing.
• More information about antigen testing can be found on the CDC's website.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Faculty, staff or students are encouraged to schedule a vaccination appointment with their local health department, participating pharmacy, or health system. Local information is available at Vaccinate West Michigan.

The GVSU Virus Action Team sponsored a COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall February 23, 2021. Watch the town hall here.

Grand Valley is working with both the Ottawa County and Kent County Health Departments, and local health systems, to offer vaccine clinics on campus when vaccines are readily available. Vaccinations would be offered for individuals who qualify based on their priority level. Information on vaccines can be found on the Vaccine Page on the Lakers Together website.

Questions and concerns
The GVSU COVID call center (616) 331-4636 remains in operation weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Personal health concerns should be directed to the GVSU/Spectrum Health 24-hour call center (833) 734-0020.

Self-Assessment

Creating a safer environment is a shared responsibility among all who come to GVSU and its off-campus partners. The university is encouraging personal responsibility by providing education, supplies, and resources to assist individuals in following public health guidance and university policy.  As part of our work toward a safe environment, a web-based self-assessment (accessed by phone, tablet or computer) is available for faculty, staff and students. 

• Employees must complete a self-assessment on any day they are working on campus.
• Students coming to campus for class or work must complete a self-assessment before coming to campus.
• While not required, it is expected that all members of the GVSU community will complete the self-assessment daily to support efforts to protect the health of the community. It is strongly suggested that the self-assessment be completed before noon.

The daily self-assessment is simple and quick to complete. The self-assessment is the primary means for us to collect daily information – including weekends – about how the virus is affecting the GVSU community, minimize its spread, promote public health and make sound decisions.

Learn how to create an easy-to-use bookmark for the self-assessment on your smartphone.

Self-Assessment

Lakers Together Handbook

Grand Valley has developed a handbook, “Lakers Together Protecting Each Other.” This handbook contains all the decisions we have made to date, and we will update the information as decisions are made and requirements change.

Lakers Together Handbook

Students need your help more now than ever. Please consider a gift to the Student Support Fund.