COVID-19 update from App State - week of Sept. 7 - 11

Posted 09/11/20 at 6:45 p.m.

App State’s weekly progress report to campus provides the latest operational updates and important information related to the fall 2020 semester and beyond.

Fall 2020: Answers to trending questions:

As fall semester classes continue, staff and faculty continue working steadily, in accordance with UNC System expectations and our educational mission, to assess and adjust every aspect of the Appalachian Experience to keep health and safety at the forefront. 

Phase 2.5 update from App State Athletics

• App State Athletics recently shared information about their operations and has published a 2020 App State Football Game Day FAQs page. 

• Update from Doug Gillin on Fan Attendance: In a Sept. 1 press release, Director of Athletics Doug Gillin announced that fall sport seasons would begin without fans at home events. This includes Football, Cross Country, Women's Soccer and Volleyball and is in effect through at least the end of September. You can read the press release here.

• Update on App State Parking and Tailgating for September: In a Sept. 9 press release, App State Athletics announced that tailgating will not be permitted on campus for the two September home football games (Sept. 12 vs. Charlotte and Sept. 26 vs. Campbell). You can read the press release here.

Upcoming COVID-19 testing events

The university is offering free COVID-19 tests for App State students, faculty and staff at “pop-up” testing events on the following dates:

• Saturday, Sept. 12 

• Saturday, Sept. 19 

• Saturday, Sept. 26 

All “pop-up” testing events will be held from 12 - 5 p.m. in the Rivers Street Parking Deck. No appointments required; however, you will be asked to show your AppCard. October dates are currently being finalized. 

Visit the university’s COVID-19 Testing page for information on upcoming testing events and on-going testing for students, faculty and staff.

App State Data Dashboard enhancements:

The Aug. 28 update to campus shared information on enhancements to the App State dashboard, and the Sept. 4 update to campus included information on how to navigate the dashboard. Many of you have requested information on on-campus testing and positive case percentages. This information has now been added via an On-Campus Testing chart. 

• What’s included in the On-Campus Testing chart: This chart displays weekly on-campus testing data and is updated each Monday. These totals include tests performed at Student Health Service and from pop-up test events contracted with Mako Medical, as well as numbers of positive tests and the percentage of positive cases. Please note that the university can only report on testing that we conduct.

• About the App State COVID-19 Active Cases graph: Active cases represent those individuals who are in isolation, and individuals are included in the active case count for the duration of their isolation period as determined by public health. There is no set time for isolation.

  • Active case status is determined by public health. App State case counts are updated daily with data reported to us by AppHealthCare, our local public health agency.

  • Active case counts may decrease, increase or stay the same as public health moves individuals in and out of isolation. 

• Self-reporting requirements and/or “Care and Concern” reports reminder: The Aug. 23 update to campus included additional information on campus self-reporting requirements. Faculty, staff and students are required to report positive test results to the university via a confidential Illness/Exposure Concern Report. A link to this form has been added to every page of the university’s coronavirus website. This information helps the university work with public health professionals to reach out to the individual, conduct contact tracing and provide needed resources and support. 

  • Students, faculty and staff who are tested on campus are identified as affiliated with App State at the time their test is taken. It is possible for a student, faculty or staff member to be tested by an entity not connected with App State or AppHealthCare and not identify any connection with App State. In that instance, they would still be isolated by public health and unable to attend classes or work, and would be identified as associated with the university when they complete their Illness/Exposure Concern Report and/or reach out to faculty and/or their supervisor to explain their inability to attend.

  • Students, faculty and staff who hear about others who may have COVID-19 can use the Illness/Exposure Concern Report to submit a “Care and Concern” report to ensure the university is aware of their positive test result.

  • Visit the university’s Reporting COVID-19 Cases page for information on self-reporting of COVID-19 tests, what happens when someone tests positive, and campus isolation and quarantine procedures. 

Communications and updates:

• Face Coverings in Response to COVID-19 Policy update: The Face Coverings in Response to COVID-19 Policy was updated on Sept. 9 to include visitors to campus. 

• Daily Health Check reminder: App State students, faculty and staff receive a daily email reminder to complete the required Daily Health Check (sign-in required) each day before leaving your residence hall OR before coming to campus, as applicable. Visit the university’s Daily Health Check informational page for details.

• High-risk consideration process for Spring 2021: On Sept. 10, Academic Affairs shared an update on the high-risk consideration process for Spring 2021. You can read that update here.

• 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. 

• Operations 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. 

Information coming soon:

• Information on upcoming break closures and building access