FAIRMONT — Fairmont State has experienced a small increase in positive COVID-19 cases over the past couple of weeks within the campus community, in which active cases have been identified at both on and off-campus testing sites. There are currently 12 active cases that have been identified through the University’s surveillance testing program, while 16 were identified at off-campus testing sites.

The University will continue its surveillance testing program throughout the spring semester to support efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 among the campus community, encompassing random samples from 10 percent of the on-campus student population each week. Those selected for testing include students attending in-person instruction, residing on campus, reporting to work or utilizing campus facilities throughout the semester.

Students are selected and tested for COVID-19, regardless of a known exposure. The random selection method enables the University to make inferences about the level of spread within the campus population and identify asymptomatic cases for quarantine.

The surveillance testing initiative is part of the University’s multi-pronged strategy to mitigate and monitor the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of this testing program is to allow the University to monitor and address real-time trends and prevalence and make timely decisions on intervention and response.

As of Friday, March 19, the University has administered 528 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 514 individuals have been fully vaccinated. The University recognizes providing vaccinations to the campus community is essential to minimize the spread of the coronavirus and combat the ongoing pandemic.

In addition to COVID-19 surveillance testing and vaccine distribution, other efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus will continue on campus including practicing proper hand hygiene, social distancing, masking and more. These safety measures will be required of all students and employees until further notice.

The University COVID task force will continue to process coronavirus test results as they are received and actively monitor 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 will continue to work with the Marion County Health Department to complete investigations and contact tracing for positive cases connected with Fairmont State.

Test results and vaccination doses distributed will be shared on the University’s Coronavirus Dashboard. To learn more about Fairmont State surveillance testing processes, visit fairmontstate.edu/coronavirus/surveillance-testing-program.

Questions related to Fairmont State’s handling of COVID-19 can be sent to urm@fairmontstate.edu. These will then be shared with the COVID Task Force which is comprised of campus experts from a variety of areas. We will do our best to respond within 24 hrs. Questions arriving outside of regular business hours may require additional time before a response is available.