COVID-19 Dashboard Shows Declining Positive Cases as Statewide Vaccine Rollout Continues

Dear Radford Family:

As part of the University’s weekly updates regarding the COVID-19 global health pandemic, I am pleased to share the latest testing data, which is now available on the University COVID-19 Dashboard. To date, as part of the Spring 2021 semester, the University has administered a total of 4,932 tests with 84 positives, representing an overall positivity rate of 1.70 percent. For the most recent reporting period, March 8-14, 2021, Radford University administered 582 tests with five positives, representing a weekly positivity rate of 0.86 percent. This is especially significant given that the prior weekly positivity rate was 4.67 percent.

Since the beginning stages of the pandemic, Radford University has been working in close collaboration and full partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). We are so proud of the work that they are doing and the progress they have made. Like citizens across the Commonwealth, Highlanders are eagerly awaiting a time in which faculty and staff, as well as students, are able to receive vaccines. This is an important step for us both as individuals and as a community!

At this time, our region continues to provide vaccines for those in Phase 1A and 1B. On the main campus in the Dedmon Center, we have been proud to host community clinics. Last week, a community clinic provided an opportunity for nearly 2,700 local residents to receive the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Another clinic for community members in Phase 1A and 1B is being held today. If you are included as part of Phase 1A or 1B due to your age, health, or other factors, you are encouraged to pre-register at https://vaccinate.virginia.gov or https://www.nrvroadtowellness.com/covid-vaccines. It is anticipated that you will receive confirmation for a vaccine appointment as quickly as possible as the state is moving to an automated and integrated registration system and a larger vaccine supply is anticipated in the coming weeks.

As previously shared, higher education personnel are included in Phase 1C. If Radford University faculty and staff plan to receive a vaccine through a University clinic, pre-registration through the state system is not required as the University will coordinate the campus-based clinic. The University continues to work closely with VDH on vaccine logistics. Based on a recent conversation with Dr. Noelle Bissell, New River Health District Director, the University will hold a vaccine clinic in mid-April. This is wonderful news, and something that we can look forward to in the next 30 days or so! We are awaiting similar details from the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts.

We remain equally committed to vaccine availability and distribution for our students. At this time, we do not have a projected timeframe for when this will occur. However, we know that VDH is sharply focused on implementing a comprehensive plan to ensure all Virginians have the opportunity to receive a vaccine as quickly as possible. In the interim, all Radford University students, faculty, and staff should continue to wear face coverings, exercise physical distancing, and limit social gatherings!


With Highlander Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President