BUCSAFE Update from the President

What a difference a week makes!  In a matter of just a few days, our quarantine and isolation numbers have increased to the highest level we’ve seen thus far during the pandemic. This comes as no surprise to us, given the nature of the Omicron variant and the fact that our community transmission levels remain HIGH in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties.  

Individual exposure to the highly contagious virus has increased exponentially. Still, don’t fear, Buccaneer!  As we have said time and time again, we have already identified ways to decrease your individual risk of severe or fatal illness, including proper masking, physical distancing, and vaccination if you choose. For those more than five months out from your last primary dose of vaccination, most experts recommend a booster to increase your immune response. 

Please note that due to the sheer volume of classes affected, the University Pandemic Task Force is unable to send individual notifications of classroom exposure. Any student attending an in-person class should assume exposure and respond accordingly if symptomatic. 

If you haven’t yet made a plan for dealing with being exposed to or testing positive for COVID-19, now is the time. As you know from previous communications, CSU has very limited quarantine/isolation housing for students. Through January 21, students attending class virtually due to quarantine or isolation will have access to recorded sessions. 

Our Numbers

Here are our numbers as of January 12, 2022: 

• TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN ISOLATION: 128
  Of these 128 students, 3 are being housed on campus,  and 125 are isolating off campus. 101 are confirmed positive.
• TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN QUARANTINE: 63
  Of these 63 students, 11 are being housed on campus,  and 52 are quarantining off campus.  
• TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN ISOLATION: 36 (24 confirmed positive)
• TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN QUARANTINE: 22

ISOLATION is reserved for actively symptomatic or known positive cases, and QUARANTINE is reserved for those who have been identified as a close contact of someone who is positive or who has symptoms. People in QUARANTINE are NOT ill – we are simply watching them to ensure they do not become symptomatic. LEARN MORE

Community Immunity Status

As of January 12, 2021:

• Students: 49.4%
• Faculty and Staff: 86.4%
• TOTAL: 55.4%

Our goal is to reach 70% community immunity on campus, which includes proof of vaccination and/or evidence of natural immunity among those who have recently been infected with COVID-19. Natural immunity includes those who have had a positive COVID test July 1, 2021, or later. 

Health Resources

St. Jude’s Labs continues to offer free, on-site PCR testing in the football stadium parking lot each weekday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Test results may take 72 hours due to the high volume of tests submitted to the state lab. 

Fetter Health Care is back today! Our on-campus healthcare partner will be in the Student Center lot every Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. In addition to walk-up appointments for your medical needs, Fetter offers immunizations and rapid testing with advance notice. To book vaccines, COVID tests, or to schedule an appointment off campus, call 843-466-6129.  

Please continue to reach out to Dr. Laurel  Glover  if you’re experiencing symptoms, have been exposed to the virus, or otherwise find it necessary to pursue testing. Do NOT go to class or to work if you feel sick.  Take care of yourself and others by staying home.   

Event and Meeting Guidelines

In planning any event on or off campus, employees and students must submit their proposal at least two weeks prior via the Event Form. Please do not email your event to the task force. It is important to submit via the application link in order to receive a timely response.    

Our latest guidelines include the following:    

• Visitors may not attend events at CSU,  with the exception of the Office of Enrollment and outdoor sporting events.
• Lightsey Chapel’s maximum capacity increased to 750 (50% of seating) on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
• All campus meetings are highly recommended to be conducted virtually for now.  However, meetings may be conducted in person and indoors in small numbers, with masks. Food is best served and eaten outdoors.

Stay #BUCSAFE

I remain grateful for God’s faithfulness and your support as we hopefully watch the beginning of the end of this global pandemic. Our good friend Rev. Jon Davis brought us the Word in this morning’s chapel. He is a walking, breathing testimony and a blessing to all who know him. For those who missed today’s chapel service, you can watch it here.  

Keep doing what you’re doing – for the good of others and the glory of God! 

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