Campus Update – Matrix Scoring, Community Expectations

The University remains at an ELEVATED risk with no changes to community expectations. Campus risk has increased over the last few weeks based on campus, county and statewide increases in new cases, hospitalizations and positivity rates. On-campus testing compliance also remains a concern. The CDC COVID Data Tracker continues to classify Pitt County and our campus as areas of substantial community transmission and recommends that everyone should wear a mask in public, indoor settings.

The campus positivity rate has increased but continues to stay below 5%. New cases on campus increased from 17 to 29 in the past seven days. Over the past week, Pitt County’s positivity rate has risen more than 2% from 6% to 8.3%. North Carolina’s positivity rate is 7.4%. The total campus community vaccination rate remains at 80% while 88% of employees attest to being vaccinated.

In anticipation of a holiday and winter surge, boosters and surveillance testing compliance are encouraged and are essential to our success against the spread and impacts of COVID. Vaccination remains our best defense against severe symptoms and hospitalization. Vaccine boosters are widely available for those 18 or older and have received their second/final dose of Pfizer or Moderna more than six months ago or Johnson & Johnson more than two months ago.

In the past few weeks, Student Health Services has also observed a sharp rise in seasonal flu cases with 101 documented cases over the past week. COVID and the seasonal flu can be severe, and even deadly, so please continue to follow public health precautions. These precautions become more important as we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. Remember, the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID vaccine so consider getting both.

Student Health Services will host a flu shot and COVID Vaccine Booster Clinic for J&J and Moderna vaccines on Thursday, Dec. 16, in MCSC Ballroom C from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This clinic is open to ECU students, faculty and staff members only. No appointment is necessary.

Students, faculty and staff may also participate in exit testing at the MAKO Clinic site. The current MAKO Clinic will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Thursday, Dec. 16. Pre-registration is available at this link.

With commencement and the holiday break, these weekly campus updates will take a break until Jan. 25, 2022 when sufficient campus testing data becomes available for use in our risk scoring. Community data will continue to be closely monitored over the holiday break and any emergency updates will be provided as necessary.

Have a safe, restful and joyous holiday!

— Bill Koch, Associate Vice Chancellor, Campus Safety & Auxiliary Services, Co-Chair, COVID Coordination Committee