Western Kentucky University: Message From Environmental Health And Safety Director Oliver And Emergency Manager David Oliver

Press release from Western Kentucky University:

October 21, 2021

Colleagues,

"I hope each of you had a restful fall break. The midpoint of the semester has provided an opportunity for us to fully assess the effectiveness of our COVID-19 preventative measures, and the data we have acquired confirms that our collective actions have made a difference. Most notably, we’ve seen a 90% reduction in the number of positive cases on campus compared to the beginning of the semester, and our weekly on campus quarantine numbers remain low. The steps that we have taken to minimize the spread of the virus have clearly been effective, and as we layer flu season on top of the pandemic, it’s important that we not let our guard down.

As a reminder, all individuals must wear a mask while indoors on campus. Our COVID-19 Task Force will continue to monitor campus data and make adjustments as appropriate, but masks continue to be one of the simplest methods of reducing viral transmission. Our vigilance in remaining masked while indoors has proven effective.

Also, vaccinations remain the most effective deterrent to viral transmission and reducing the severity of the virus’s symptoms. The Graves Gilbert Clinic on campus has vaccinations available, and they can be found at many other locations in Bowling Green. As a reminder, we are encouraging all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to report your vaccination status at the following link: https://www.wku.edu/healthyonthehill/vaccineincentive.php. Doing so provides our COVID-19 Task Force with valuable data to help shape future decisions.

If you have been in contact with an individual who has tested positive, or if you are displaying symptoms yourself, the clinic also has tests readily available. It is also important that if you test positive or are a close contact to someone that does, that you call the Covid Assistance Line (270) 745-2019 to report your status".

Thanks to all of you for your commitment to keeping our campus safe.

David E. Oliver Ed.D, CSP, CEM

Director Environmental Health & Safety

This press release was produced by Western Kentucky University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.