From the Office of the President

• Virus Action Team
  • Any health monitoring questions or concerns should be sent to: [email protected] 
• Partnership with Spectrum Health 
  • Beginning August 17, Spectrum Health will operate a 24/7 COVID call center for GVSU
  • Spectrum Health staff will follow-up on self-assessment flags, including testing for individuals with symptoms or exposure
  • Spectrum Health will provide daily check-ins following positive tests
• Follow the “Lakers Together Protecting Each Other” campaign practices
• Fill out the self-assessment
  • Required seven days a week, each day before noon, whether you are coming to campus or not to more completely track the virus, and your compliance will be monitored
  • Not completing the self-assessment would be considered a violation of university policy and would be actionable
• Everyone is encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus
  • Testing can be arranged through your health care provider or you can consult the State of Michigan testing site finder with a “no cost” filter
• Randomized testing of 1,500 people on campus will begin two weeks after the start of classes and continue throughout the semester
• The best source for up-to-date information on the Fall Semester is Lakers Together Fall 2020
• If needed, we will switch to all remote education

From the Virus Action Team

• Expanded information about tracking, technology, testing, tracing, isolation and quarantine is available on the Lakers Together website under Testing and Tracing
• You are expected to fill out the self-assessment everyday, whether you are coming to campus or not
  • Students coming to campus for class or work must complete the online self-assessment form prior to arrival on campus
  • It will provide you with resources if you have symptoms
• Random testing
  • Nobody will be expected to submit a random test against their wishes, however, testing helps determine the extent to which COVID-19 is present in our community
  • Answers to several questions about the testing plan can be found on the Testing and Tracing web page
• Spectrum Health 24/7 call number: (833) 734-0020
• For questions about GVSU COVID-19 response policies or plans, email [email protected]

From the Virus Action Team

• View the COVID-19 Dashboard
• For selected and randomized testing:
  • Participants will provide a self-administered lower nostril specimen; after being processed in a lab, results will be available through MyChart from Spectrum Health 
• View the COVID-19 Indicators & Priority Metrics for Operational Guidance for information about the four-level system of alerts
• Fill out the self-assessment everyday, whether you are coming to campus or not
• Please review the mask policy
  • Face coverings that cover the mouth and nose are required indoors
  • Face coverings are required outdoors when social distancing is not possible

From the Virus Action Team

• GVSU does not actually have the most cases out of all the public universities in Michigan; we have just been testing more individuals
• More efficient COVID-19 testing
  • A second lab was added; turnaround of results within 24 hours
  • Spectrum Health has identified and fixed an issue with MyChart which will make testing faster
• Ridership on the Rapid is 70% less than last year’s level and three more buses were added to allow for better social distancing
• Lakers Together Call Center
  • (616) 311-INFO (4636)
  • Operates 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends
  • Personal health concerns should go to the GVSU/Spectrum 24-hour call center at (833) 734-0020
• Daily self-assessment (for everyone, everyday)
  • You can get a daily reminder to take the assessment, and you can put a short-cut on your smartphone to make it more convenient

From the Office of the President

• “Staying in Place” order issued for September 17 - October 1; this is enforceable under law
• Students must remain in their on-campus and off-campus housing, except to:
  • Attend in-person classes
  • Use food services
  • Get groceries
  • Get medicine or medical care
  • Participate in worship or religious practices
  • Attend intercollegiate medically supervised athletic practices
  • Go to work
• Support systems are available
• University’s Call Center: (616) 331-INFO (4636) 
• Personal health-related questions can be directed to the GVSU/Spectrum 24-hour call center at (833) 734-0020
• You can also direct questions to [email protected]

From the  Virus Action Team

• Number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline (view dashboard)
• Randomized and selected testing - if invited, please schedule an appointment 
• If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, schedule your test through Spectrum Health by logging into MyChart or calling the GVSU/Spectrum Health COVID Resource Center at (833) 734-0020
• COVID-19 self-assessment should be completed every day; incentive information can be found through Financial Aid
• After Thanksgiving
  • Individual faculty members will have specific instructions on whether your class will transition to remote or have to continue in-person
  • All exams will be online
  • Housing will remain open for residential students
  • GVSU will issue credits for unused housing, dining, and/or parking

From the Office of the President

• “Stay in Place” order expired October 1st
• New “Staying Safe” order in effect until October 16, 2020
  • For all gatherings indoors and outdoors, face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines must be followed, unless it’s for classes or university-organized academic activities
  • Up to 4 guests can visit student living units and residences
  • Up to 4 people can gather together in indoor common areas on the Allendale Campus
  • Up to 10 people can gather in groups outside
• Support systems are in place to help students with technology, food, mental health issues, and more

From the Virus Action Team

• “Staying Safe” order will continue until October 16, 2020
• New COVID-19 tracking tool is entirely voluntary and strongly encouraged to use
  • To join the GVSU community on NOVID, download the app at www.novid.org or in your app store and under “Settings” enter “GVSU” as the community.
  • Students enrolled this Fall semester and who join Grand Valley’s NOVID community are eligible to be entered into a drawing to be awarded one of four $500 grants. For details on this and more information on the app, visit: www.gvsu.edu/novid. 
• Fill out the self-assessment everyday, you may be eligible to receive $200 toward the Winter 2021 semester
• Winter 2021 semester update
  • Classes begin Tuesday, January 19, 2021
  • Spring Break has been eliminated
  • The semester ends on May 1, 2021
  • Courses will be fully online, hybrid, or face-to-face
• The Lakers Together website is updated continually

From the Virus Action Team

• Allendale students remain under the “Staying Safe” order through October 16, 2020
• GVSU policies regarding face coverings, events, and social distancing remain in effect until further notice; Lakers Together website for more info
• COVID-19 Testing
  • Beginning Monday, October 12, COVID-19 testing will be in the Thornapple Room in the Kirkhof Center instead of the Fieldhouse in Allendale; the Pew Grand Rapids Campus testing location remains at DEV 105E
  • Individuals who are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 are required to schedule an appointment for testing
• Students are encouraged to get their flu shots.
• Students are encouraged to join the GVSU community on NOVID; download the app at www.novid.org or in your app store and under “Settings” enter “GVSU” as the community
  • Students enrolled this Fall semester and who join Grand Valley’s NOVID community are entered into a drawing to be awarded one of four $500 grants. For more about app and drawing, visit: www.gvsu.edu/novid
    •  

From the Office of the President

• Decrease in positive COVID-19 cases associated with GVSU
• The OCDPH has lifted the "Staying Safe" order as of October 16 and will not put in another formal order
• "Staying strong" approach is encouraged to keep our community safe
• All state regulations regarding COVID, as well as our campus policies and practices remain in effect 

From the Virus Action Team

• If you were asked to take the anonymous survey about the GVSU COVID-19 Testing Program, participate for a chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card. 
• Learn how to protect yourself and others; getting your flu shot is encouraged.
• GVSU face covering policy now requires masks to be worn indoors and outdoors when not alone. 
• If you have been exposed to COVID-19, tested positive, or are experiencing symptoms, use this flowchart to determine which steps to take next.
• The CDC has modified COVID-19 exposure criteria.
  • Being within 6 ft for 15 cumulative minutes in a 24-hour time period, regardless of PPE. 

From the Virus Action Team

• Number of positive cases in our campus community remains low, but we must continue to follow preventative measures
• Please complete the self-assessment daily
• There will be a flu clinic the week of November 16; vaccinations for students will be free

From the Virus Action Team

• On Wednesday, November 4, beginning at noon, the GVSU alert level will change to  High/Level 3 due to a significant increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases. 
  • Increased limitation to in-door and out-door activities
  • Food options will return to primarily grab-and-go
  • Limit everyday activities (to attend classes, get food or medicine, go to work, engage in physical activity)
  • GVSU’s testing program will expand

From the Office of the President

• COVID-19 cases are increasing
• Limit your face-to-face interactions to only those that are critical (getting food or medicine, attending class, going to work, exercising)
• Continue to follow all public health recommendations (wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands)
• Follow guidance from the Virus Action Team

From the Virus Action Team

• Alarming increase in COVID-19 cases
• We must wear face coverings, social distance, avoid large gatherings, and wash our hands
• Complete the daily self-assessment
• With Thanksgiving break approaching, we must strictly adhere to public health recommendations
• COVID-19 testing:
  • Surveillance testing is available for those who come to campus at least one day per week (until November 19); the university will pay for one test per person
  • Those eligible for testing who do NOT have symptoms or who have not had direct exposure to someone with COVID will have received an email with a link to schedule an appointment
  • Spectrum Health testing site at the Commons on the Allendale Campus for people who have symptoms or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
  • Appointments can be scheduled through MyChart or by calling the GVSU Spectrum Health COVID Resource Line at (833) 734-0020
• Sign up to get a FREE flu shot at Allendale or Pew Grand Rapids campuses for the week of November 16
• Post-Thanksgiving: testing on campus will resume November 30
  • Invitations will be emailed
• Refrain from personal travel to areas identified as being at higher risk for COVID-19 transmission; more information can be found in the GVSU Personal Travel Policy

From the Office of the President

• MDHHS has issued a statewide public health order
  • View the infographic to see what it affects
  • Beginning Wednesday, all face-to-face classes will convert to remote delivery
    • There are some exceptions for health professions or education courses; additional information will be sent directly from faculty or advisors
  • Research activities will continue with proper safety protocols
  • Student work remains possible
  • The university will remain open
• COVID-19 testing
  • The university will pay for one test per person; for students who come to campus at least one day per week (through November 19)
  • Eligible people who do NOT have symptoms or who have not had direct exposure received an email with a link to schedule an appointment for testing
  • People who have symptoms or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 can schedule testing appointments through MyChart or by calling the GVSU Spectrum Health COVID Resource Line at (833) 734-0020
• The GVSU COVID call center (616) 331-4636 remains in operation weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m
• Personal health concerns should be directed to the GVSU/Spectrum Health 24-hour call center (833) 734-0020

From the Virus Action Team

• GVSU Surveillance Testing Program (which is for those who do NOT have COVID-19 symptoms or exposure) will resume the week of November 30
  • Emails will be sent on November 24 to invite students to get tested if they are returning to campus
• The GVSU/Spectrum Health testing site (for those who do have COVID-19 symptoms or exposure) will remain open next week by appointment; schedule through MyChart or call (833) 734-0020
• If you are currently quarantining or isolating, you must continue to quarantine or isolate until you are released by the health department or GVSU
• Fill out the self-assessment daily
• Follow CDC guidelines