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Campus Covid Update - August

Covid has been on everyone’s mind for over a year now. It is the start of a new term, and we are still wearing masks on campus. Many people are wondering, when does it end? Coralyn Dillard is 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s RN. She, along with 2 employees, take care of the students at the Plainview campus.

“51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ is and will continue to follow the CDC recommended guidelines for public health and safety,” Dillard said.

The CDC, as of Aug 26, 2021, recommends the use of facemasks indoors, regardless of vaccination status due to the Delta variant. CDC guideline and news can be found at this link:

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s health office is equipped with emergency gear like epi-pens and a defibrillator. While their office can administer over the counter meds, do assessments, and make referrals, they cannot diagnose ailments.

“Two years ago, before Covid, when students came in with symptoms like a runny nose or fever it was usually just a head cold,” Dillard said. “Now we give them the test to rule out Covid first.”

The rapid Covid-19 test gives results in 10 minutes. Students as well as faculty and staff are encouraged to get tested regularly regardless of symptoms to help stop the spread of Covid on campus. Those who live in the dorms as well as athletes and performers must get tested every 3-4 weeks unless they have proof of vaccination.

Currently, there are no stats for the vaccination rate on campus, but, as of Aug 26th, Health Services has administered 69 vaccines during the first vaccine clinic held on campus during the summer break. The Second vaccine clinic was held on Aug 30th, and the next ones will be Sept 3rd from 9am-12pm, Sept 7th 1pm-4pm, and Sept 10th 1pm-4pm in room 211 of the McClung Center, above the caff. Vaccination clinics are free to students.

“This is serious stuff,” Dillard said, “follow the most reputable sources. Don’t believe what you read on social media.”

The Plainview campus has had 16 Covid positive cases since August 1st, 11 of those are currently active: 7 students and 4 faculty/staff (1 of the faculty/staff has been hospitalized). There are 6 students in quarantine. Some are hesitant to get the vaccination.

“There are side-effects, yes, but they typically only last for 24-hours,” Dillard said. “This is not a live virus [like a lot of vaccines], it is an antibody vaccine designed to help your body fight off the virus.”

For anyone who has questions concerning vaccination schedules or wishes to ask about the vaccine itself, you can check out the Student Heath Services page, email Coralyn Dillard directly at dillardc@wbu.edu or visit her office in room 210 of the McClung Center.