UMaine community health and safety update — February 7
Dear University of Maine community members,
I hope you are enjoying your weekend and the temperatures yesterday that had us thinking of spring.
Today I write with a special reminder that we cannot relent in our Black Bears Care campaign:
Use a face covering | Get tested | Wash your hands | Practice social distancing
We track many indicators to stay abreast of the spread of COVID-19, including results of wastewater testing. In tests conducted on the Orono campus late last week, we observed evidence of an increase of the virus in the wastewater. Currently, it is a data point and not a trend, but it suggests vigilance as we continue with both wastewater and weekly asymptomatic testing. We will be looking for trends and will continue to make data available to the community.
Last week we were not able to conduct the planned widespread testing of all community members who are on campus regularly. Appointments for phase six testing begin again Monday morning. Please check for an email from UM COVID Testing to find out when you are scheduled, and come to be tested.
Thank you for all you are doing. Because of all your efforts, the UMaine community has been and continues to be remarkably successful in making a difference to keep the virus under control and to keep learning going. Please continue to be careful, get to your testing appointments, report symptoms if you have them, avoid gatherings and follow the Black Bears Care pact!
Thank you again. Be well.
Best regards,
Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President