5-4-22: Campus Community Message

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I write with an important COVID update. As we come to the end of a great semester, we are seeing some increase in COVID cases, particularly among students. (This is being experienced nationally as well with the circulation of the BA2 Omicron variant.) As you can see on the dashboard, last week we had 25 positive tests. Nearly all of these were associated with two clusters, and we did not see broader transmission. This week we have 11 positive tests so far, also in clusters.

We have decided to require masks in all indoor public spaces on campus for the rest of this week and through finals week next week. (The two exceptions, where masks are optional, are student residence halls or when engaged in intense physical activity.  Staff and faculty working alone in their office may also choose to unmask.) We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution. We will be in touch again by Thursday, May 12, to share an update on COVID masking protocols for commencement weekend. High-quality masks continue to be available at the libraries, dining halls, and academic buildings.

Due to great work by Kevin Lowry and others, we have a large supply of masks and tests. Our Longbrake Wellness Center reports that there are several illnesses circulating at present, so not all symptoms are COVID. It’s important to everyone’s health that those who have symptoms get tested. So – students should go to Wellness for a test right away if you are not feeling well. (Faculty and staff who would like to get a COVID test, and students who have no symptoms and would like to test can get a test through this form. Masks can also be requested via the same form.)

My tremendous thanks to you all for your work to keep Wooster both safe and vibrant this year. I wish you a wonderful last few days of classes and all the best for finals.

With gratitude,

Sarah Bolton
President

Posted in Community Message on May 6, 2022.