Updates

We must begin the new year with that same commitment and some additional measures as we will likely be fighting two COVID-19 variants along with seasonal influenza and other common respiratory infections. Our goal is to operate safely and in person to the greatest extent possible, while also safeguarding the capacity of the health care systems in our communities.

Though the newest coronavirus variant, omicron, hasn’t yet made its way to the region, Noelle Bissell, New River Health District health director, expects that it soon will come. That, plus the large number of people who will travel and gather for the holidays, likely will push COVID-19 cases higher.

Virginia Tech faculty are intersecting research, education, and service through COVID-19 classes, which give students the tools to maneuver through an ever-evolving pandemic and a minefield of COVID-19 misinformation.

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.