App State COVID-19 Updates

Chancellor Sheri Everts and the university’s COVID-19 response team continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and remain in regular contact with state and local public health agencies as well as UNC System leadership.

Chancellor Everts’ Feb. 25 update to campus shared changes to App State’s COVID-19 protocols, effective Monday, March 7:

1. Face coverings will no longer be required on campus for faculty, staff, students and visitors, except where required by federal and state guidelines.
    
2. Testing for students and employees who are unvaccinated will no longer be required. However, free, on-campus testing will continue to be available for students and employees.
    
3. Contact tracing efforts will focus only on areas of identified need. In accordance with current public health guidance, individual case investigations for close contacts of identified positive cases will no longer take place, neither by the university nor by local public health.

All other COVID-19 protocols remain in place, including required reporting of all off-campus, positive test results, as well as quarantine/isolation requirements. 

These changes reflect recommendations, guidance and information from state and local public health experts and are in accordance with recent decisions and guidance from the UNC System, town government officials and local public schools. 

As the national and local COVID-19 landscape continues to evolve, public health experts recommend continued vigilance. Read on for preventative actions you should continue to take to protect yourself and others.

Keep protecting yourself and others:

1. Get vaccinated and boosted to stay up-to-date.
   Health experts continue to stress that vaccines are the most effective tools we have to prevent severe illness and death. Get vaccinated or boosted at Student Health Service and you’ll receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
   
   
2. Stay home if you feel sick OR if you test positive for COVID-19.
   Monitor your symptoms and follow quarantine and isolation guidance. Contact your healthcare provider with questions or concerns.
   
   
3. Get tested if you have symptoms OR have been exposed to COVID-19.
   Free, walk-in testing clinics on campus continue weekly, and students with symptoms can also make appointments at Student Health Service.
   
   
4. Seek treatment early if you are at risk for severe illness. 
   
   
5. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and practice good personal hygiene.
   
   
6. Continue to wear a face covering where required by federal and state guidelines — including public transportation, such as AppalCART, clinical and health care settings, such as Student Health Service and other local healthcare providers  — and ensure it provides the best fit, protection and comfort for you.
   
   
• To the extent county or municipal requirements are still in effect pursuant to local emergency declarations, these local requirements must be followed. Keep a face covering with you, so you will have one readily available as needed.
  
  
• After March 7, you may choose to continue to wear a face covering on campus and are encouraged to do so:
• If you are unvaccinated.
• If you or someone in your household is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms. 
• At your discretion or upon the advice of your healthcare provider.
  
  
• Students and employees may still pick up a variety of face coverings at the Plemmons Student Union Information Desk.

App State COVID-19 required reporting:

Protect the App State community: Students and employees should continue to submit the following to the university:

1. Vaccination records — both primary series and boosters.
   
   
2. Off-campus COVID-19 tests, including at home tests.
   
   
3. Submit a self report if you are concerned about a potential exposure.
   
   
4. Submit a care and concern report if you are concerned about a student or employee.

Additional COVID-19 resources:

The university posts the most current COVID-19 safety protocols, procedures and policies to the App State coronavirus website and makes adjustments according to the latest federal, state, local and UNC System guidance. 

• Don’t see what you’re looking for? Email ucinfo@appstate.edu or call 828-262-2000 for assistance.

Remember that the university’s COVID-19 response team continues to respond to every report submitted as quickly as possible and prioritizes outreach to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

• Students: Emergency Management will contact you to provide additional information. Questions? Contact safety@appstate.edu or call 828-262-4008.
  
  
• Faculty and staff: the Office of Human Resources will work with employees and supervisors. Questions? Contact millerad@appstate.edu or 828-262-3187. 

App State resources: 
Latest Updates •  COVID-19 Vaccines • COVID-19 Testing and Reporting • Quarantine and Isolation • Face Coverings • Health and Safety • COVID-19 dashboard

Additional resources:
CDC: COVID-19 Community Levels and COVID-19 and Implementing COVID-19 Prevention Strategies
COVID-19 Testing at AppHealthCare • Get your COVID-19 vaccination record • North Carolina’s COVID-19 Information Hub • Flu vaccine finder