Marion County Health Department and Fairmont State University have concluded their first phase on free on-campus testing for COVID-19. In total, 3,399 tests were administered to faculty, staff and students. Of those 1,798 results have been returned with three positive cases identified. 

All students who have tested positive have been moved off campus to recuperate. The University continues to work as requested with the Marion County Health Department to complete investigations and contact tracing for positive cases connected with Fairmont State. 

Fairmont State University began a systematic testing of all students, faculty and staff who take classes, work on, or visit any of the University’s campus locations beginning Aug. 5. Testing continued through Aug. 18 and results are expected to continue to arrive through the end of the month. 

A COVID-19 Dashboard of positive cases connected to Fairmont State students, faculty and staff can be found at www.fairmontstate.edu/COVID19. All results are based on data collected by local health departments. 

In preparation for the start of the fall semester, Fairmont State spent the summer introducing a campus wide signage campaign to help students, faculty and staff engage in physical distancing, safe hand washing, and appropriate mask wearing. In addition, all students, faculty and staff received a PPE kit that included two reusable masks and refillable hand sanitizer. Across campus, seating capacities have been reduced, self-service food opportunities are now staffed by employees, and cleaning of heavily used areas has been increased. 

Faculty spent the summer converting their courses to hybrid models in order to assist in a reduction of classroom density. Based on their course content needs, students have been provided options to attend class in-person or through a synchronous live broadcast of the course. 

For more information on Fairmont State’s handling of COVID-19, please visit www.fairmontstate.edu/COVID19. Fairmont State will send a weekly update as needed in regards to positive COVID-19 cases on campus.