Week 4, Sept. 18–24, 2023: The number of students testing positive for COVID-19 has spiked with the start of the school year. How is the university handling COVID years after the beginning of the pandemic, and what resources are available? What changes in protocol might this spike precipitate in the area?
As we continue to move forward into a world reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that we remain vigilant in our efforts to stay safe and protect ourselves and our communities. The national public health and emergency declarations related to the COVID pandemic ended on May 11, 2023. Even though the declarations have ended, this does not mean the COVID virus has been eradicated. While vaccines have brought hope and relief, the virus is not vanquished, and new variants continue to emerge. Staying safe from COVID is an ongoing responsibility that requires collective action and personal commitment.
West Chester University has provided COVID-19 resources on their website within the student health services page. Here, they provide information on the symptoms of COVID and how to protect yourself, as well as housing, vaccination and testing advice. WCU also provides resources for students who believe they may have the virus. Students who would like to be tested for COVID can test using an at-home test, or schedule an appointment with the Student Health Center at 610-436-2509. Even though the pandemic began three years ago, WCU is continuing its commitment to keep the community and students safe. Masks will still be found in each WCU building. Mask dispensers have also been designed in order to make mask retrieval easier and increased quantities of masks will be given to our building managers on a regular basis.
The community level of COVID-19 in Chester County is low based on cases and hospitalizations, according to the most recent update from the C.D.C. on March 23. Following the conclusion of the global pandemic, data regarding case numbers have decreased significantly. The number of hospitalized COVID patients has fallen in the Chester County area and deaths have remained at about the same level. An average of 18 cases per day were reported in Chester County, a 31 percent decrease from the average two weeks ago. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a total of 118,209 cases have been reported and at least 1 in 390 residents have died of COVID-19, a total of 1,348 reported deaths. However, no information is found on the WCU website regarding student case numbers.
As WCU students have returned to school, there has been an increase in social interactions, both in and out of the classroom. The beginning of the school year also increases social gatherings in classrooms, cafeterias and other communal areas, where it may be challenging to maintain physical distance. This can lead to a higher risk of virus transmission, especially if preventive measures are not strictly followed. However, it seems as though WCU is not threatened by a possible increase of cases as they have not updated the community in months; their designated websites have gone untouched and update emails cease to exist. Even though the WHO declared an end to COVID-19 in May of 2023, updates concluded months prior. By following safety measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of infection and the potential for severe illness or death, especially among vulnerable populations. The suggested preventative actions align with specific recommendations made by the CDC, governor of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania’s Department of Health to mitigate the impact of the virus.
If you or someone you know is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please refer to the WCUPA Student Health Services page on www.wcupa.edu. All in all, staying safe during COVID-19 is not only about individual health but also about protecting lives, supporting healthcare systems and contributing to the well-being of society as a whole. It is a shared responsibility that has far-reaching implications for our communities, countries and the world.
Sierra Williams is a fourth-year English and Political Science major. SW960048@wcupa.edu