Updates

Virginia Tech’s COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, located at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has processed more than 70,000 samples to support health districts across Virginia and the university community since its launch in April.

During the roughly 25-minute online presentation, Sands shared insights into COVID-19-related challenges met and lessons learned, as well as gave updates on progress made despite the pandemic in terms of new partnerships, new facilities, and new progress made toward the university’s long-term goals.

The New River Health District began administering the vaccine for people in phase 1b on Jan. 11, and its goal is to vaccinate 1,000 to 1,200 people a day.

Efforts to reduce the on-campus population of students and employees support the overall public health goal of limiting the potential spread of the virus. The reduced on-campus population reduces the public health risk for the entire community – including those working on campus and working remotely.

We have received many questions from employees about their options should the coronavirus spread more broadly across Virginia, especially with Friday’s announcement from Gov. Ralph Northam ordering all K-12 schools in the commonwealth to close for a minimum of two weeks.

It’s in times like these past few days that the honor of being a Hokie feels especially amplified. With uncertainty and anxiety coming from every direction, the spirit of generosity from our students and their families has been humbling.