The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 remains active in our community as it does across the state, nation, and the world. Once again, we see that new diagnosed infections in Shelby County are picking up, and the case rate in August has doubled in our population compared to June and has almost tripled in our younger people. Emergency Department visits attributed to COVID-19 and hospitalizations remain low in Shelby County and across Tennessee, but it is again increasingly common to meet someone with a recent or current COVID-infection themselves or in their households. We encourage our students and employees to stay at home if they are ill or have been exposed, get tested, and wear a well-fitting mask.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, have symptoms, or have tested positive, you may find the most current CDC Calculator for Isolation and Exposure here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html.
Information regarding vaccinations is found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
All students and employees are encouraged to get tested (if they have had a close contact to someone testing positive for COVID-19, suspect exposure, or have symptoms) and vaccinated against COVID-19.
Thank you for your cooperation as we all work together to ensure the health and safety of our campus!