To reverse the mask shortage in the age of COVID-19, scientists from West Virginia University and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have developed two alternative face coverings that are as effective at blocking novel coronavirus as those highly-coveted N95 masks.
West Virginia University was notified Sunday afternoon (April 12) by the Monongalia County Health Department that a resident in one of its residence halls tested positive for coronavirus COVID-19. WVU is working with MCHD and West Virginia’s state public health officials to ensure the health and safety of all residents and employees who have recently been working in the Evansdale Residential Complex, more commonly referred to as Towers.
Engineers in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University are using their expertise and equipment in a campus-wide effort to create personal protective equipment to keep up with the needs of health care providers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Monongalia County Health Department and West Virginia University were notified Wednesday (April 8) that more than a dozen WVU students have tested positive for novel coronavirus COVID-19. Although investigations and contact tracing are ongoing, it is believed 14 students returned to private, off-campus residences upon returning to Morgantown. As a reminder, WVU campuses have been closed and access to buildings has been unavailable since March 20, with limited exceptions. There is no indication that the students have been on campus.
In his April 8 letter, President Gordon Gee also noted measures will continue through June 30 to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff and the WVU community.
Leveraging an artificial intelligence-driven predictive model, wearable ring technology, and a COVID-19 monitoring app, RNI scientists and partners are developing an innovative “digital PPE” approach that potentially can identify infected frontline healthcare professionals before they become symptomatic – a possible breakthrough in monitoring capabilities and limiting the spread.
The purchase, coordinated through the West Virginia University Health System, includes 1,149,000 procedural masks, 163,025 surgical masks, 116,120 N95 respirators, 290,180 disposable gowns, 29,400 pairs of protective eyewear (goggles and glasses), and 40,000 disposable suits.
Less than 15 minutes after the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources opened its Coronavirus Hotline, the first caller dialed in. Since opening on March 9 at 9:30 a.m., hotline workers have fielded more than 11,700 calls — and counting.
As health care providers nationwide struggle to secure ample personal protective equipment to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgantown’s Chinese community donated $10,000 to help supply masks, face shields, gloves and more for WVU Medicine personnel on the front lines.
The Bucklew Scholarship is given to 20 high-achieving West Virginia students accepted to the University and qualifies them to be considered for the Foundation Scholarship, WVU’s highest academic scholarship.