Post-Fall Break COVID-19 Update

Block 4 is underway, and we would like to remind you of the steps we are taking to ensure that the remainder of the Fall Semester goes as smoothly as possible.  


Key Reminders
  • Students are participating in post-Fall Break testing.
  • Students with symptoms should not go to class and should call the Student Health Center, (719) 389-6384.
  • Masks are required in all public indoor spaces on campus when not actively eating or drinking.
  • Always wear a mask indoors, on or off campus, when in public spaces or gatherings.
  • Avoid unmasked social gatherings indoors where viral transmission is likely to occur.
  • Stay vigilant to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread and avoid disruption this block and for Winter Break.

Testing
All students, except those who have received positive test results in the 90 days prior, are taking an initial COVID-19 test this week. Thanks to all who have already taken their test! You are helping to keep our community healthy. If you haven’t yet, please pick up your test kit at the library, or, for this initial testing only, at your residence hall if you reside in South, Mathias, or Loomis Halls. Students, please contact us at covid19@coloradocollege.edu if your name/email address/CCID are not displayed correctly in your eMed or Navica app and need to be edited.

As of Wednesday, more than 1,500 students have already taken their initial test (or are within their 90-day window, on leave, or studying abroad), with only one positive test result. The CC COVID-19 dashboard is updated with new numbers. Based on results from initial screening testing, beginning next week, 33% of vaccinated students will participate in screening testing each week; students with exemptions will continue testing twice a week.

Please re-familiarize yourself with campus COVID-19 protocols, including updated information regarding screening and symptomatic testing.

Masking and Socializing
Masking guidance remains the same: universal indoor masking on campus; indoor masking strongly recommended off campus, as COVID-19 transmission levels continue to be high in El Paso County. Community transmission levels county by county are available here. Please check this website periodically to inform your masking practices.

As a reminder, food should not be served during meetings, unless outdoors. 

We are monitoring the emerging situation regarding the new Omicron variant and will keep you updated on any developments that may affect our campus operations. We hope to know more within a few weeks.

Boosters
CDC recommends that all people 18 and older receive a booster shot if they are at least six months out from their second dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or two months out from receiving a dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Details about an on-campus booster clinic in Block 4 are coming soon.  

Classes are being held in person. Student activities, programming, and athletic practices are proceeding as planned. All campus dining facilities are open.

Our goal for Block 4 is to allow students to complete their academic work without disruption and return home for Winter Break. Students with positive test results after Dec. 12 would still be in isolation after the end of Block 4. Continue to practice good public health behaviors such as consistent indoor masking, particularly in the last two weeks of the block, to minimize disruption to travel plans and reduce elevated stress levels toward the end of the block.

Thank you for doing your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19! If you have questions, please contact covid19@coloradocollege.edu and check our Coronavirus Updates and Resources webpage.

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