Mason Patriots,
Due to the high number of suspected and confirmed coronavirus cases in our region, the university is taking a proactive approach to slowing transmission in our community. Public agencies in Virginia are advised by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Human Resource Management to document positive or suspected cases, and inform those students, faculty, or staff who may have had contact with the individual to take further precautions.
In order for this protective measure to work, we need your help. First and foremost, if you don’t feel well and have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider should report any suspected or confirmed COVID-19 illness to your local health department.
Additionally, it is critical that the university be aware of who is at risk in our community. Therefore, if you test positive for COVID-19, have two or more symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or have been instructed by medical professionals to self-isolate, the university is asking you to report as follows:
- Faculty and staff contact Human Resources and Payroll via this online reporting form (This form will require two factor authentication.)
- Students contact Student Health Services. If you are a student living on campus or have had contact with a student living on campus, please call 703-993-2831. All others please use the SHS secure, online portal at: https://gmu.medicatconnect.com
- Mason Contractors must contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHS) at 703-993-8448 or safety@gmu.edu.
When notified, Human Resources and Payroll, Student Health Services, or EHS will request information about where you were on campus and with whom you may have come into contact. An assessment will be conducted to identify other members of the Mason community who are at risk of exposure and cleaning of university spaces will occur as necessary. Students, faculty, and staff will be notified if quarantine is recommended based on the information gathered. Please refer to the university’s guidance on who to notify if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms and always consult with your primary care provider for medical questions.
The university is committed to protecting your confidentiality. At no time will names, positions, or department information be shared with the university community. Only those who are determined to be at risk of exposure will be contacted. Supervisors and employees must not conduct any independent notifications to their employees or colleagues to prevent confusion and breaches of confidentiality. Supervisors should consult the university’s guidelines on when employees or students may return to work or campus, and consult with the appropriate office before advising employees or students on precautions.
If you would like to take a voluntary risk assessment to better educate yourself about COVID-19 and minimize risk to our community, please read more from Provost Wu and the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. The risk assessment tool is located on the university’s Blackboard homepage. If you have questions about the tool please contact covid19@gmu.edu.
All members of the community should avoid stigmatizing those who are affected by this disease. Instead, please focus on how we can help those in need and protect others from becoming ill. Thank you for helping us reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. If you have any questions about this process, contact safety@gmu.edu.
Respectfully,
Lisa Park, MD, MPH
Executive Director, Student Health Services
Lester L. Arnold, Sr.
CHRO | Vice President for Human Resources and Payroll