WEST LIBERTY -- West Liberty University has 11 active cases of the novel coronavirus among its student body, according to information released by the university Wednesday afternoon.
The announcement was made in a letter from university President Stephen Greiner addressed to students, faculty and staff.
"I'd like to thank the many careful members of our community who diligently follow our CDC recommended safety guidelines of social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitation and avoidance of large social groups during the pandemic," Greiner said. "Since Friday, Sept. 4, West Liberty University has had additional positive COVID-19 cases reported by its students. We now have 11 active cases, confirmed by the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department and a few additional ones still being investigated."
Greiner stated the students are either in isolation, or were sent home to recover. The newest cases put the university at a 0.5 percent positivity rate, according to the announcement.
"We want to be transparent and inform you quickly but at the same time, information must be confirmed by the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department and it takes time to do this," Greiner said. "The professionals at the Health Department also are in charge of Contact Tracing and we respond to the orders and suggestions that they make."
As part of efforts to keep the campus community, and surrounding area informed, the university will begin to post its positive case number, as provided by the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, each Wednesday on its website at westliberty.edu/coronavirus.
Campus cleaning and sanitation is in place to disinfect areas where the positive testing individuals have been. This cleaning is done in accordance with protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using Environmental Protection Agency-approved products effective against the COVID-19 virus.
According to health officials, the best prevention of COVID-19 spread is wearing face masks, social distancing and good hand washing and WLU encourages all students, staff, faculty and visitors to remain vigilant in these habits.
"We encourage all our students and staff to remain safe by avoiding large gatherings and parties and to wear your mask in any circumstance where social distancing is difficult," Greiner said.
Those who feel sick are asked to contact their personal doctor, or the university's Student Health Services.