Dear RVU Family:
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in CO and UT. During the past week CO cases have increased 16.18% and UT cases have increased 11.33%. In the past 10 days we have had 24 contact tracing cases with 5 additional people at RVU testing positive for COVID-19.
Here are this week’s updates:
- Update from Governor of CO: Yesterday Governor Polis issued an update urging Coloradans to do their part by reducing social interactions, maintaining appropriate social distancing and wearing a mask. He urges everyone to avoid social interactions with friends and family outside of their homes throughout the month of November. Read More
- Dr. Birx and Dr. Redfield visit UT: Two of our nation’s top health officials visit with Utah leaders to discuss the critical issue of the rising COVID-19 cases in the state. Read more
- On-Campus PPE Requirements Updated: Effective Monday, November 9th, everyone entering RVU will be required to wear at least level 1 PPE masks (surgical masks). Cloth masks will no longer be permitted on campus. Security will provide surgical masks for those who need them. Please watch Dr. Ambler’s video on the appropriate way to don and doff PPE.
- Telecommuting for Employees: Due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, employees are encouraged to work with their managers to limit the time they are on campus to the highest extent possible. If employees really need to come on campus, please try to avoid days when there are labs.
- CRT Town Hall. As a reminder, please plan on attending the next COVID-19 Town Hall scheduled for Wednesday, November 11 at noon. Please submit any questions to the CRT by 2:00 PM today. You should direct your questions to:
Colorado Students – jack.strickland@rvu.edu
Utah Students – maxton.muir@rvu.edu
Employees - covidhr@rvu.edu
- MYTH: Certain blood types are at higher risks for getting COVID-19.
FACT: No significant connection between blood type and COVID-19–related hospitalization, intubation, or death has been found. However, multivariate analysis may suggest that people who were Rh positive were more likely to test positive than people who were Rh negative, and those with B or AB blood were more likely to test positive than those with type O blood. Source
Please be extra vigilant this month to help us prevent increasing COVID-19 and contact tracing cases. Please wear your masks diligently while off campus this week and have a safe weekend. Your integrity, compassion and service is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Professionally yours,
The COVID-19 Response Team
