All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State Reports Two New Positive Cases of COVID-19

Fairmont State University has received the majority of test results from the first phase of free on-campus testing for COVID-19. In total, 3,614 tests were administered to faculty, staff and students. Of those, 3,612 results have been returned with a total of five positive cases identified. Four of the individuals have recovered and one remains active.   

All students who tested positive were moved off campus to recuperate. When requested, the University will  work 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 utilize any of the University’s campus locations beginning August 5. Testing continued through August 18. 

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 updating their courses which are currently being delivered face-to-face and where necessary, synchronously  in order to assist in a reduction of classroom density.Students are currently attendingclass in-person and/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. 

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