Greetings Panthers! Once again, we find ourselves returning to campus with rising COVID cases and increased concerns regarding how to stay safe due to the XBB variant. Please visit www.pvamu.edu/coronavirus for more information regarding university resources and policies.
As a reminder, the COVID isolation/quarantine time frame remains seven (7) days, with an automatic release on day 8. Those who test positive must still use the Self-Reporting forms to report positive test results from on-campus and off-campus facilities.
Students – you MUST complete the self-reporting form within 48 hours of notification of a positive test to be included on the Academic Affairs faculty notification list. Students who DO NOT report WILL NOT receive any documentation to provide to faculty for missed classes.
Employees – you are required to self-report and communicate with your supervisor regarding remote work options.
XBB Variant
- XBB variant is now the most transmissible and most infectious variant of COVID.
- The bivalent booster is highly encouraged due to its effectiveness in reducing risks for hospitalizations, death and long COVID for all variants, including XBB.
- This variant is especially dangerous for unvaccinated individuals and those 65 years or older.
- Because the XBB variant binds more to respiratory track cells, masking in public is encouraged.
- Please consider public health mitigation strategies, such as masking as faculty, staff and students travel. A recent study found that in 96% percent of flights, the wastewater was positive for COVID, highlighting the need to remain vigilant.
Dr. Tondra Moore, Executive Director of Health Services