About 22,000 students returned for classes at the University of Virginia Monday, and the school’s president says UVA is ready. Sandy Hausman reports on how things have changed since the fall, and what new limits students will face.
In a video address to students, UVA President Jim Ryan said the university was prepared to test every student once a week, had set aside more space for isolating those who are infected and could care for anyone with a serious case of COVID.
“UVA Health has about 740 hospital beds, and while the health system is busy right now, that activity is driven primarily by non-COVID patients, many of whom are undergoing elective procedures.," he said. "We have opened a second COVID unit in our new towner and can flex to create more beds if the number of cases goes up.”
Based on the experience last fall, he said the campus could be a safe place even during a pandemic.
“We didn’t see any evidence of transmission within classes or from UVA students to faculty, staff or members of the community, and we have every reason to believe that will continue to be the case as long as we keep following health and safety guidelines.”
Dean Allen Groves said students should limit gatherings to no more than six people and wear a mask, even if they had recovered from the virus.
“People who contract COVID may shed the virus for a period of time that extends beyond the alleviation of symptoms or a positive test.”
He added that students were not included in any priority list for vaccination but quoted the governor who hopes everyone who wants a shot can be inoculated against COVID by early summer.
***Editor's Note: The University of Virginia is a financial supporter of Radio IQ.
