Yesterday, state officials reported that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan have risen to 236,225, including 7,811 deaths. Thursday also saw a one-day record of 6,940 new cases in Michigan.
The University of Olivet is not immune. The number of positive cases within the OC community is on the rise, with 23 current active cases.
We must all take COVID-19 seriously and share the responsibility of looking out for the health and wellness of every student and every faculty and staff member. We’re just eight days away from final exams and less than two weeks away from going home for an extended period of time over the holidays. We must all keep our guard up now and through winter break if we are to remain a healthy and safe residential community.
Stay Here to Stay Safe
To be at the top of your game when it’s time for final exams, you need to be healthy. To ensure the COVID-19 virus doesn’t hitch a ride home with you, you need to be healthy. To share in the responsibility of keeping COVID-19 at bay, you need to be healthy. The best way to do that? Stay here on campus to stay safe, including this weekend.
The majority of Olivet’s positive COVID-19 cases are the result of individuals leaving campus to go home or to work and then returning. Leaving the OC “bubble” greatly increases the odds of the invisible virus invading our campus community.
When in Doubt, Check it Out
In addition to COVID-19, it’s also cold and flu season. Symptoms are similar and can be confusing. It’s better to err on the side of caution. If you’re not feeling well, don’t assume it’s a cold or the flu. Be sure to complete your daily health check and work with the Student Engagement team to determine if you have COVID-19. Click to view or download COVID-19 and other illness symptoms.
Mask up, Comets. And, stay here to stay safe!
The time is always right to do what is right. — Martin Luther King Jr.