Low levels of COVID-19 detected in West Hall wastewater

Published date
11:51 a.m.
News Type

We have received the most recent results of wastewater testing in West Hall, samples taken Tuesday, Sept. 22, in which COVID-19 has been detected as “present, not quantifiable.” 

Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking all residents of West Hall to precautionarily quarantine in their rooms, beginning at midnight.

All West Hall residents will participate in pooled saliva testing conducted in the hall, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Monday morning. Please be sure you are registered now, so those conducting testing are not waiting for you to complete the form.

All West Hall residents must remain in precautionary quarantine until results are received from this new pooled saliva testing. They should not attend classes, go to dining halls or work, participate in athletics practices or any other activities outside of the residence hall until informed otherwise.

While in precautionary quarantine, students can have meals delivered to them by Dining Services, using an online order form (detailed instructions below). 

Any students who have been in West Hall since Friday, Sept. 18, are asked to participate in pooled saliva testing as well. There will be no conduct consequences for those who violated visitation restrictions. Please contact the Student Health Center to arrange for your sample to be collected. 

All students must use the daily health check app every day, regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms. Click Here for the Daily Health Checklist. Please remember to continue wearing your mask over your nose and mouth to stop the spread of COVID-19. Remind your friends to do the right thing!

Remember, properly worn masks (mouth and nose) and physical distancing are the most effective means of limiting both transmission and infection. Even if you feel well or do not experience symptoms, you might be a carrier. Please participate in testing and take precautions to limit potential spread of the virus. 

Wastewater can detect infection up to seven days before symptoms appear. Pooled saliva testing can be delayed until at least 4-5 days after it shows up in wastewater.

If you would like to learn more about wastewater testing, there is a great news clip CBS News did with U. of Arizona. The CDC has a page about wastewater testing as well. Recently, CNY Central visited our campus to do a story about SUNY Morrisville's wastewater testing. We also have our “dashboard”, which shares some information about wastewater testing and links to the SUNY dashboard for overall data.

If you have health-related questions, please contact the Student Health Center

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ONLINE MEAL ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS 

Log on to the Dining Services order form via this link: https://macforms.morrisville.edu/meal-order

Orders need to be placed via the online form between 6 p.m. tonight and 6 a.m. tomorrow for tomorrow’s meals. (lunch and dinner) 

We are here to help! Please reach out with dining questions or concerns to diningservices@morrisville.edu