The Cabell-Huntington Health Department last night issued a public health advisory regarding the accelerated community spread of COVID-19. According to the advisory, Cabell County has seen marked increases in infection rates and daily percent positivity rates since Oct. 1, despite current preventative actions and availability of testing.
The advisory goes on to make a series of voluntary recommendations, including advising persons at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease to stay at home, reducing gatherings and limiting travel.
University officials have communicated with county health department experts this morning to clarify that the recommendations in the advisory are elective. The recommendations are not new, and the advisory is intended to raise awareness of the current situation and to encourage renewed focus on preventative measures, particularly for those who may be at high risk.
At this time, Marshall University’s infection and positivity rates remain significantly lower than that of the community at large, and the university will continue to operate in its current safe manner.
On-campus students who are concerned they could be at high risk and may need accommodations should contact Students Affairs’ Office of Disability Services at 304-696-2467. Employees should contact Human Resource Services.
Information about Marshall’s COVID-19 response, including a dashboard detailing university testing data, is available at www.marshall.edu/coronavirus.
Questions or concerns may be directed to COVID19@marshall.edu.