Safer Campus Task Force Update for May 25, 2022

• COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continued to rise in the U.S. for the week ending May 20, 2022, as the nation experiences a new surge, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The DeLand campus experienced an uptick in cases, with 11 employees and one student testing positive as of May 23, said Health Service Director Johana Burgos. No cases were reported at the College of Law at that time.

About 54% of the U.S. population is experiencing low COVID-19 community levels, while many areas have moved into medium and high levels, CDC said. COVID-19 community levels can help communities and individuals make decisions affecting their health based on their local context and their unique needs (see next bulleted item).

COVID-19 vaccination remains the best option to lower your risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death if you get infected. Everyone ages 5 years and older is eligible to receive one booster after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine primary series. Some people are eligible to receive a second booster.

• CDC masking guidelines continue to be based on COVID-19 community levels. Community levels for Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are medium as of May 24. Volusia County remains low.

CDC’s COVID-19 Integrated County View includes a search function that allows users to find data on each county in the U.S., plus detailed masking guidelines for each community level. Data is updated daily by 8 p.m.

CDC’s recommended actions based on a medium community level include: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.

CDC’s recommended actions based on a low community level include: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.

• Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 tests.

Each order now includes eight rapid antigen COVID-19 tests, which will come in two separate packages (four tests in each one). Shipping is free.