GV COVID-19 campus data update

Since GVSU began conducting random testing on campus Aug. 27, the cumulative total COVID-19 cases since August 1^st is 1,643. The university’s update of data used for this brief was from Friday, Nov. 20.

Through testing results this past week, GVSU’s Virus Action team have so far reported 314 current active cases including 9 faculty member cases, 14 staff members, 69 on-campus students, 109 “off-campus Ottawa” students, and 95 “off-campus Kent” students, 18 “off-campus other” students with active COVID-19 cases.

“Current active cases” is the count of positive cases reported to the Virus Action Team over the past ten days.  This is an estimate of those currently in isolation, assuming a ten-day symptomatic period following the reporting of a positive test result. Actual periods of isolation are specific to the individual and determined by the county health department.

Testing and Incidence: GVSU’s own testing program has performed 27,747 tests overall since August 21, for a positivity rate of 1.12% from the latest update as of the last week.

“GV Surveillance” includes the GV/Spectrum administered programs of randomized testing, regular testing of high-risk groups, and invited testing of individuals connected to potential clusters. A calendar is available. “GV Total” includes surveillance testing plus all symptomatic/exposure tests administered by Spectrum.

Governor Whitmer Recognizes November as Diabetes Awareness Month

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November 2020 as Diabetes Awareness Month in Michigan.

The month is dedicated to people across the state living with diabetes, prediabetes and people taking care of loved ones managing these conditions.

Managing and preventing diabetes is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic since people living with diabetes are at a greater risk for COVID-19 complications.

Approximately 870,000 Michigan adults have been diagnosed with diabetes and more than 2.7 million adults across the state are estimated to have prediabetes. People of color, people living in poverty and people with a disability are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, largely due to less access to health care and other programs and services.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, and how the virus has severely impacted those with underlying medical conditions, means it is even more important for people to be able to manage their diabetes well,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “People living with diabetes should work with their physician to manage their condition, which includes a healthy diet, exercise, and taking any medications as directed. We encourage people across Michigan living with diabetes to create a diabetes preparedness plan, including having extra medication and supplies on hand.”

GV announces winners of mySuccessCheck mini-grant winners

The mySuccessCheck, early alert survey, has been sent out regularly this semester to all new first-year and transfer students. Every student who completed the survey was entered to win a $500 mini-grant.

Liz Chase, Student Retention and Special Projects Coordinator announced that the university chose the mini-grant winners this week. Chase extended her congratulations to mySuccessCheck mini-grant winners Jordan VanOosten and Aidan Osman.