Remain COVID-vigilant as semester winds down

The UB community’s commitment to health and safety has helped to keep COVID-19 cases low on campus through the many challenges arising from the pandemic, but the recent increase in locally reported cases carries a reminder for faculty, staff and students that the virus is still with us.

Due to the highly infectious omicron subvariant BA.2, a statewide loosening of restrictions and imperfect protection against infection, even if vaccinated, cases are rising modestly in the community and on campus, according to Thomas Russo, SUNY Distinguished Professor and chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Fortunately, there has been a much smaller increase in hospitalizations and bad outcomes because vaccination, especially with boosters, is highly protective against severe disease, Russo says.

But “remain vigilant” during these last few weeks of the spring semester, he cautions. Final exams are sneaking up quickly; major papers will soon be due; many students are planning summer internships; and for UB seniors and students in graduate school, there’s the excitement and honor of commencement. Getting even a mild infection can adversely affect students’ academic performance and ability to attend upcoming events.

Vaccination is still the most effective tool in the fight against COVID-19, Russo says, especially for preventing severe disease. If you’re eligible, get boosted. But even for those with up-to-date vaccinations, he still recommends that if it is critical to avoid getting infected, you should wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask in indoor venues if others are “maskless.”

Take precautions and be aware of symptoms like sore throat, headache, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath and coughing. If you feel sick, stay home and get tested. Anyone testing positive should isolate, according to CDC guidelines, and report the case to the university. This will minimize the spread to others, including those at risk for developing severe disease.

COVID is still out there; therefore it’s important to continue efforts to stop the spread of the virus, Russo says.

“I am hoping that we can turn the corner on the present increase in cases soon after the upcoming religious holidays. Let’s all do our part to protect ourselves and others,” he says.

UB officials will continue to monitor the latest data and scientific findings on the coronavirus and its variants.