Latest Update
Spring break begins this weekend, and as the two-year anniversary of the COVID–19 pandemic approaches, I am pleased to share that the numbers on campus, and in our community, continue to decline. Today we have only 13 positive cases across our campus community, and our area positivity rate is now below 10% - 9.7% which is down five points from this time last week.
Christopher Newport has avoided the spikes and surges experienced at many other institutions. That success is shared by all. We did what was necessary to take care of each other. Faculty, staff and students followed CDC and VDH guidance, got vaccinated, got tested when needed, stayed home when necessary, wore masks as required and most importantly looked out for one another as Captains do.
Because we have reached this place, we will lift the campus-wide mask mandate on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
In person teaching is a hallmark of the Christopher Newport experience. We know some apprehension remains about the transmission of the virus in classrooms and other instructional spaces like labs. To address these concerns, for the remainder of the semester, faculty may require students to wear masks. Professors will notify their students in advance if they must do so.
Anyone is free to wear a mask. There will be some who will continue to follow existing protocols for health reasons and others who simply feel more comfortable wearing their masks and practicing physical distancing. I am confident we will all continue to treat each other with kindness and respect, particularly as people make personal decisions about if or when to wear a mask.
Finally, this virus is ever changing and unpredictable. We will respond as needed to protect our Christopher Newport campus family. However, it now seems appropriate to enjoy the balance of this spring semester feeling as normal as possible.
Protocols for Reporting, Quarantine and Isolation
Following the CDC guidance, we have adjusted our campus isolation and quarantine protocols. Please read the following carefully as it is a shift from our previous protocols and update accordingly:
If you are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID:
- If you are fully vaccinated and have received a booster, and you do not personally have COVID related symptoms, there is no reporting requirement. However, you should monitor your own wellbeing for any symptom development.
- If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated or fully vaccinated but have not received a booster, faculty/staff must notify your supervisor/department chair of the exposure and email hr-tracker@cnu.edu and students must email dosa@cnu.edu. The email must include the details of the exposure, your symptoms, and the phone number where you can be reached. Please expect a return email and follow up phone call from a member of the COVID Response Team. Do not return to campus until you are given clearance to do so.
If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID:
- Faculty/staff must notify your supervisor/department chair immediately and email hr-tracker@cnu.edu and students must email dosa@cnu.edu. The email must include the details of your symptoms. Do not come to campus until you have spoken with a member of the COVID Response Team.
- If you believe the symptoms are normal for you or if you have any symptoms or illness that is not consistent with COVID there is no need to report to the hr-tracker email address. Illness or injury not consistent with COVID should be worked out with your supervisor/department chair.
COVID-related symptoms may consist of one or more of the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting