Fairmont State University has experienced a small increase in positive COVID-19 cases within the campus community, with the increase comprised of a mixture of active cases that were identified at both on and off-campus testing sites. The University reports 12 active cases of COVID-19 that were identified through off-campus testing sites. The majority of the surveillance testing results from the week have been returned, with seven cases identified through this testing method. Forty-one individuals have now recovered since the University began reporting data in late August. 

The final week of the University’s Fall Semester Surveillance Testing Initiative will begin on Monday, November 16 and conclude on Wednesday, November 18, encompassing a stratified sample of students and employees. Continuing the program through the end of the fall semester has allowed the University to continue to vigilantly slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus by identifying cases in asymptomatic individuals.

The Surveillance Testing Program is a part of the University’s multi-pronged strategy to mitigate and monitor the spread of COVID-19. This testing initiative allows the University to monitor and address real-time trends and prevalence and make timely decisions on intervention and response.

The University COVID task force continues to process results as they are received and actively monitors all cases on campus with the assistance of the Marion County Health Department. Individuals testing positive during both on and off-campus testing continue to be quarantined. As requested, the University continues to work with the Marion County Health Department to complete investigations and contact tracing for positive cases connected with Fairmont State. 
 
Results will continue to be shared on the University’s dashboard. To learn more about Fairmont State surveillance testing processes, visit fairmontstate.edu/coronavirus/surveillance-testing-program.