COVID-19 update from App State’s PMIT - week of Aug. 3-8

Posted 08/08/20 at 9:50 a.m.

App State’s Project Management and Implementation Team provides a weekly progress report to campus from the teams across campus preparing for resuming daily operations, the start of the fall 2020 semester and beyond.

Preparing for fall 2020: Answers to trending questions

Students begin moving into residence halls Aug. 10 and staff and faculty have been working steadily to prepare, in accordance with UNC System expectations and our educational mission, to return our students, faculty and staff to campus for the fall semester. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, Governor Cooper announced the extension of Phase 2 “Safer at Home” through Sept. 11, reiterating the importance of returning to the classroom.

Read the executive order here.

View his press conference here.

Daily health checks required for all students, faculty and staff

Beginning Monday, Aug. 10 students, faculty and staff will be expected to self-administer a daily health check for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to campus via a new tool developed and maintained by the university’s Information Technology Services. Details and instructions for use will be emailed to campus and added to the Continuity in the time of COVID-19 site by Monday morning. 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

While broad-based, campus entry testing is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals concerned about possible exposure and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to get tested and are expected to self-report COVID-19 tests via a secure Illness/Exposure Report web form. Review the self-reporting guidelines here. 

• Pop-up COVID-19 testing for on campus residential students Aug 10-15: On-campus residential students can receive a free COVID-19 test prior to the start of the fall semester at a “pop-up” testing event which will be held Aug. 10-15 outside the Holmes Convocation Center. No appointments required but you will be asked for your Banner ID and other identifying information. Testing events like these are one of many efforts each of us can take to promote the health and well-being of the Appalachian Community. Residential students will receive further information about this testing event soon.

• On-going testing for students: Student Health Service is offering COVID-19 tests, including rapid antigen testing per current Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommendations, for students. An outdoor tent, located outside of the Miles Annas Building, provides greater efficiency, speed and safety in offering COVID-related services. Appointments are required.

• Testing for faculty and staff: App State faculty staff and students can be tested at any of the AppHealthCare clinic locations Monday-Friday. Appointments are required. AppHealthCare will serve anyone, regardless of ability to pay. To schedule an appointment, call 828-264-4995. Appalachian Regional Healthcare System and many primary care providers also offer testing.

• Learn more about COVID-19 testing here. 

Communications and updates:

• Messages from Chancellor Everts: Chancellor Everts shares weekly updates with campus. These include updates related to UNC System and Board of Governors decisions that affect our campus planning, preparations and responses to the pandemic. Read these messages here.

• Air exchange update: As shared in our June 18 update to campus, heating and air systems are being optimized to provide the greatest possible fresh air exchange. For buildings with central HVAC systems, fresh air exchange will occur 4-6 times per hour. 

• Broad-based educational programming reminder: As shared in our July 20 update to campus, one important component of embracing public health and safety standards is educational training. All students, faculty and staff are expected to complete educational training courses about the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 before returning to campus. Completion instructions have been emailed to students. The employee course is available online here. 

• Student Life web page update: The Student Life web page has been updated with new information to these sections: On-campus housing, Campus Dining, University Recreation and Outdoor Programs, Off-campus gatherings, and Transportation. View the Student Life page here. 

• PMIT updates: These logistics updates share key campus operations information including safety and community expectations. Read the previous update here.

• Clearinghouse website: App State’s coronavirus website is the clearinghouse site to navigate to the latest updates across campus, find information about returning to campus, and see the university's cumulative and active case count dashboard.

• If you have questions, comments and suggestions, submit these to the PMIT via the “Submit a question” form on the Continuity in the time of COVID-19 site. 

Information coming soon:

• Spring 2021 schedule update.

• Additional answers to trending questions, comments and suggestions submitted via the “Submit a question” form on the Continuity in the time of COVID-19 site.