Update on COVID-19 dashboard reporting
February 23, 2023
This message was sent to faculty and staff at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.
Dear Wolf Pack Family,
As we make our way through this historic time of disruption and challenge that has been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I wish to express my sincere appreciation and thanks for how our University community has responded. There has been support and empathy shown throughout this time which has helped sustain a positive and encouraging University culture, as well as daily achievements that have furthered our institutional mission.
Nearly three years since the pandemic began, COVID-19 remains with us, and it is important that you remain up to date with your vaccinations. If you have a severe health condition or part of an older age group, there are a number of preventive actions you can take to minimize your risk. The Student Health Center continues to offer free booster vaccinations and COVID-19 testing. It is important to note that the Student Health Center provides isolation guidance for those who test positive, but no longer does contact tracing nor provides daily reports to the Provost Office and to the faculty regarding positive cases. We continue to provide a copy of COVID-19 test results that individuals can print through their patient portal.
Beginning this week, the University will end its practice of updating campus testing data via the University COVID-19 Dashboard. In addition, weekly reports of campus positivity rates and numbers will no longer be provided. The decision is in alignment with the lower rates of campus testing and the prevalence of at home testing that has been occurring for several months now. The CDC continues to track COVID-19 cases nationally via its COVID Data Tracker, and Washoe County also has weekly regional data regarding COVID-19 cases. These federal and county dashboards are more accurate indicators of cases in our community. In the event of a sudden outbreak of COVID-19 in our community, we can quickly reinstate the use of the University’s dashboard to keep the members of our campus community aware of any further needed changes.
We have learned a great deal over the past few years regarding COVID-19. Perhaps the most important has been the ability of the students, faculty and staff of our University to adjust whenever conditions change. You have all shown tremendous resiliency during a challenging time.
Thank you for all that you are doing.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Hug-English M.D., MPH
Medical Director
Student Health Center