COVID-19 Weekly Update Open Forum

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Updated masking policy: Aug. 5, 2022

Since many individuals are traveling to the three campuses of Commonwealth University, we are sharing the current COVID-19 county community levels for each campus.

Yesterday's update by the CDC indicates the following for our campuses:
• Bloomsburg (Columbia County): "medium"
• Lock Haven (Clinton County): "low"
• Lock Haven Clearfield (Clearfield County): "low"
• Mansfield (Tioga County): "low"

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, while in the “low” or "medium" status, masks are not required in University buildings and vehicles, however those who wish to do so may continue to voluntarily mask indoors. While a campus' county's status is "high," we strongly urge mask wearing in all campus buildings and University vehicles. If you are at high risk for severe illness, ask your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions. Please get tested if you have symptoms.

• At Bloomsburg masking is required at all times in the Student Health Center and in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic.
• At Lock Haven masking is required at all times in the Glennon Health Center.
• At Mansfield masking is required at all times in the Student Health Clinic.

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N95 or KF94 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask.

Surgical Masks are available at the following locations:

At Bloomsburg: The service desks located at the Student Recreation Center, Andruss Library, and the Student Health Center. N95 masks and/or face shields are available at the Health Center upon request.
At Lock Haven: The service desks located at the Student Recreation Center, Stevenson Library, and Ulmer Hall. N95 masks and/or face shields are available at the Glennon Health Center upon request.
At Mansfield: Front service desk at North Hall Library. N95 masks and/or face shields are available upon request.

We will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: July 29, 2022

Since many individuals are traveling to the three campuses of Commonwealth University, we wanted to share the current COVID-19 county community levels for each campus.

Yesterday's update by the CDC indicates the following for our campuses:
• Bloomsburg (Columbia County): "medium"
• Lock Haven (Clinton County): "low"
• Lock Haven Clearfield (Clearfield County): "high"
• Mansfield (Tioga County): "low"

Our established pandemic protocols:
• “Low” or "medium" status: Masks Are NOT Required in University buildings and vehicles. However, those who wish to do so may continue to voluntarily mask indoors.
• "High" status: Masks Are STRONGLY Encouraged in all campus buildings and University vehicles. If you are at high risk for severe illness, ask your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions. Please get tested if you have symptoms.

Reminder:
• At Bloomsburg masking is required at all times in the Student Health Center and in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic.
• At Lock Haven masking is required at all times in the Glennon Health Center.
• At Mansfield masking is required at all times in the Student Health Clinic.

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N-94/5 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask.

We will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: July 22, 2022

Since many individuals are traveling to the three campuses of Commonwealth University, we wanted to share the current COVID-19 county community levels for each campus.

Yesterday's (July 21) update by the CDC indicates the following for our campuses:
• Bloomsburg (Columbia County): "low"
• Lock Haven (Clinton County): "low"
• Lock Haven Clearfield (Clearfield County): "low"
• Mansfield (Tioga County): "low"

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, while in the “low” or "medium" status, our masking requirement remains lifted in University buildings and vehicles, however those who wish to do so may continue to voluntarily mask indoors. If you are at high risk for severe illness, ask your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions. Please get tested if you have symptoms.

• At Bloomsburg masking is required at all times in the Student Health Center and in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic.
• At Lock Haven masking is required at all times in the Glennon Health Center.
• At Mansfield masking is required at all times in the Student Health Clinic.

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N-94/5 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask.

We will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: July 15, 2022

Last evening (July 14) the CDC updated its weekly transmission statuses for counties across the Commonwealth. Clinton County's COVID-19 transmission status remains "high" and Clearfield County's status remains "low."

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, we will continue to require indoor masking in all Lock Haven Campus buildings, university vehicles, and on the LHU trolley. Masking is always required when visiting Glennon Health Center. As Clearfield County remains in the low-risk category, this mask mandate does not apply to our Clearfield Campus.

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N-94/5 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask. Surgical masks will be available at building entrances throughout campus.

The LHU COVID Response Team will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: July 8, 2022

Yesterday (July 7) the CDC elevated Clinton County's COVID-19 transmission status to from "low" to "high."

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, we are moving - effective immediately - to mandatory indoor masking in all Lock Haven Campus buildings, University vehicles, and on the LHU trolley. Masking is always required in Glennon Health Center. As of now, Clearfield County remains in the low-risk category, so this mask mandate does not apply to the Clearfield campus.

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N-94/5 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask. Surgical masks will be available at building entrances throughout campus.

The LHU COVID Institutional Response Team will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: July 1, 2022

The current COVID-19 transmission status updated yesterday (June 30) by the CDC remains "low" for Clinton County and Clearfield County.

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, our masking requirement remains lifted in Lock Haven and Clearfield Campus buildings, and university vehicles. Masking is strongly encouraged on the LHU trolley. Those who wish to do so may continue to voluntarily mask indoors. Masking is required at all times in the Glennon Health Center.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: The Clinton County COVID-19 testing site located at LHU in the PUB will be closed on Saturday, July 2. Testing will resume on Tuesday, July 5 at 10 a.m.

PA Department of Health Community WALK-IN Testing Site
LHU PUB 1st Level, main entrance 650 Railroad Street
COVID-19 PCR testing OPEN TO ALL
No appointment or insurance card necessary, results in 48-72 hours; call 844-522-5952 for results
Tuesdays-Fridays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed on July 2)

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N-94/5 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask. Surgical masks will be available at building entrances throughout campus.
The LHU COVID Institutional Response Team will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: June 24, 2022

The current COVID-19 transmission status updated yesterday (June 23) by the CDC remains "low" for Clinton County and Clearfield County.

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, our masking requirement remains lifted in all Lock Haven and Clearfield Campus buildings, and university vehicles. Masking is strongly encouraged on the LHU trolley. Those who wish to do so may continue to voluntarily mask indoors.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: June 17, 2022

The current COVID-19 transmission status updated from the CDC yesterday (June 16) remains "low" for Clinton County and Clearfield County.

The LHU COVID Institutional Response Team will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: June 10, 2022

Yesterday (June 9) the CDC lowered Clinton County's COVID-19 transmission status from "high" to "low." Clearfield County's transmission status remains "low."

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, we are lifting our masking requirement - effective immediately- in all Lock Haven and Clearfield Campus buildings, and university vehicles. Masking is strongly encouraged on the LHU trolley. Those who wish to do so may continue to voluntarily mask indoors.

The LHU COVID Institutional Response Team will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated masking policy: June 3, 2022

Yesterday (6/2/22) the CDC elevated Clinton County's COVID-19 transmission status from "medium" to "high" and shifted Clearfield County's status from "medium" to "low."

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, we are moving - effective immediately - to mandatory indoor masking in all Lock Haven Campus buildings, university vehicles, and on the LHU trolley. This mask mandate does not apply to the Clearfield Campus at this time.

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N-94/5 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask. Surgical masks will be available at building entrances throughout campus.

The LHU COVID Institutional Response Team will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly.

As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted. For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov. To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated Masking Policy - May 27, 2022:

Yesterday (5/26/22) the CDC shifted Clinton County's COVID-19 transmission status from "high" to "medium" and Clearfield County's status from "low" to "medium."

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, we are moving - effective immediately - to encouraged voluntary indoor masking in all Lock Haven and Lock Haven Clearfield Campus buildings. Masking will continue to be required on university vehicles, and on the LHU trolley.

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N-94/5 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask. Surgical masks will be available at building entrances throughout campus.

The LHU COVID Institutional Response Team will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly. As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted.

For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov.

To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Updated Masking Policy, May 20, 2022:

Yesterday (5/19/22) the CDC elevated Clinton County's COVID-19 transmission status from "low" to "high."

In keeping with our established pandemic protocol, we are moving - effective immediately - to mandatory indoor masking in all Lock Haven Campus buildings, university vehicles, and on the LHU trolley.

As of now, Clearfield County remains in the low-risk category so this mask mandate does not apply to the Clearfield Campus.

Because of their greater effectiveness against transmission, please use a surgical or N-94/5 mask rather than, or in addition to, a cloth mask. Surgical masks will be available at building entrances throughout campus.

The LHU COVID Institutional Response Team will continue to monitor community transmission levels, which are reported once weekly on Thursdays by the CDC and will respond swiftly and accordingly. As always, we encourage all members of our campus community to be vaccinated and boosted.

For COVID-19 information and to find vaccines, masks, tests, and treatments, visit covid.gov.

To find a vaccine or booster, please visit www.vaccines.gov and enter your zip code. Booster shots, like all COVID-19 vaccines, are provided free of charge, with no out-of-pocket costs.

Masking mandate lifted for university trolleys and vehicles, April 5, 2022:

As we continue to see steady, low COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in Pennsylvania, we will be lifting the masking mandate effective tomorrow, Wednesday April 6 on trolleys and university vehicles. Passengers may, of course, continue to mask and, their doing so, should be respected by fellow travelers.

Masking mandates now remain in effect only in the Glennon Health Clinic and at COVID-19 testing sites on campus.

Campus Masking Policy Update, March 7, 2022:

The CDC now assigns a color code for each county's COVID-19 Community Level, which in turn indicates whether masks are required for indoor spaces. The color codes are Green (Low), Yellow (Medium), and Red (High). According to the CDC, individuals in counties designated as Red should wear masks indoors, while individuals in counties with Yellow or Green levels may choose to wear a mask, but are not required to do so.

Clearfield county has transitioned from code Red to code Yellow. As a result, masks are no longer required for indoor spaces at the LHU Clearfield campus. These changes are effective as of Tuesday March 8, 2022. For your information, Clinton County has been downgraded from code Yellow to code Green so the mask-optional provision remains in effect for the Lock Haven campus. The CDC COVID-19 Community Level [cdc.gov] will be monitored, and any changes to the CDC designation for our areas will be communicated to the campus community.

It is still advisable to know the risk level and mask requirements when traveling. Individuals traveling to and from red counties should continue to mask indoors.

The LHU COVID Health & Safety Plan will be updated to follow the current CDC and PA Dept. of Health guidance with the following stipulations:
• Masks are highly recommended, but will not be required, in classrooms and other university interior spaces as long as Clinton County remains in the low/medium-risk category.
• Individuals may continue to wear a mask if they feel more comfortable doing so.
• Any individual who is experiencing COVID symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion) must continue to wear a mask.
• Individuals who have tested positive for the COVID virus in the past 10 days are to wear a mask.

Masks/face coverings are still required in the following areas:
• LHU Glennon Health Clinic
• Public Transportation (LHU Shuttle/Trolley, LHU Large vans, Bus trips)
• Campus COVID testing locations if experiencing symptoms

Students involved in internships, clinicals, student teaching, or other experiential learning activities should follow the masking guidance at those locations.

As we transition to the removal of masks in campus indoor spaces, it is important to consider your personal health conditions and the health of others you are near. Masks are still strongly recommended for people who are immunocompromised or at high-risk for illnesses.

Remember that testing is an important mitigation action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Testing is still available on campus at no cost for students, staff, and faculty. More information is available on LHU’s COVID webpage.

People may choose to wear a mask at any time; please support and respect their decision.

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 positive cases within the campus community. If a rise in cases on campus is noted, a mask requirement may be reinstituted until the positivity rate decreases.

Campus Masking Policy Update, February 28, 2022:

The CDC and the PA Dept. of Health have updated their masking guidance for indoor spaces. The current guidance references active positive cases as well as current hospitalizations and hospital capacities within each county in the country.

The CDC now assigns a color code for each county's COVID-19 Community Level, which in turn indicates whether masks are required for indoor spaces. The color codes are Green (Low), Yellow (Medium), and Red (High). According to the CDC, individuals in counties designated as Red should wear masks indoors, while individuals in counties with Yellow or Green levels may choose to wear a mask, but are not required to do so.

Currently, Lock Haven University's location – Clinton County, PA -- is shown in the yellow classification, indicating masks are not required for indoor spaces. Other nearby counties in Pennsylvania (Clearfield, Centre, Jefferson) are still currently listed as red or high-risk areas and masks should be worn indoors in those counties.

Because of this, the indoor mask mandate remains in effect for the LHU Clearfield campus.

If traveling to LHU Clearfield, or areas outside of Lock Haven, be sure to know the risk level and mask requirements associated with those locations. Individuals traveling to and from red counties should continue to mask indoors.

The LHU COVID Health & Safety Plan will be updated to follow the current CDC and PA Dept. of Health guidance with the following stipulations:
• Masks are highly recommended, but will not be required, in classrooms and other university interior spaces as long as Clinton County remains in the low/medium-risk category.
• Individuals may continue to wear a mask if they feel more comfortable doing so.
• Any individual who is experiencing COVID symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion) must continue to wear a mask.
• Individuals who have tested positive for the COVID virus in the past 10 days are to wear a mask.

Masks/face coverings will still be required in the following areas:
• LHU Glennon Health Clinic
• Public Transportation (LHU Shuttle/Trolley, LHU Large vans, Bus trips)
• Campus COVID testing locations if experiencing symptoms
Students involved in internships, clinicals, student teaching, or other experiential learning activities should follow the masking guidance at those locations.

These changes will go into effect on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. The CDC COVID-19 Community Level [cdc.gov] will be monitored, and any changes to the CDC designation for our area will be communicated to the campus community.

As we transition to the removal of masks in campus indoor spaces, it is important to consider your personal health conditions and the health of others you are near. Masks are still strongly recommended for people who are immunocompromised or at high-risk for illnesses.

Remember that testing is an important mitigation action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Testing is still available on campus at no cost for students, staff, and faculty. More information is available on LHU’s COVID webpage.

People may choose to wear a mask at any time; please support and respect their decision.

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 positive cases within the campus community. If a rise in cases on campus is noted, a mask requirement may be reinstituted until the positivity rate decreases.