Here are the COVID-19-related updates for the week of Feb. 21:

All known CC student cases, regardless of whether exposure occurred at CC, appear on the CC COVID-19 dashboard
Adjustments to events/visitor policies
Working toward mask-optional policy
Updated isolation guidance

Changes to Events and Visitor Protocols

As announced last week, the college has removed some of the temporary precautions that were implemented in anticipation of the Omicron wave:

Student pods are no longer required.
Proof of vaccination/negative test result is no longer required at public events.

What to Expect for Block 6

Protocols that remain in place for now, to be reviewed weekly as usual, are:

Mask-wearing indoors; KN95/N95 masks recommended
Ongoing student screening testing

Working Toward Mask-Optional Policy

In El Paso County, case numbers have declined to 141/100,000/week and 7.4% positivity. This means that the county is nearing transmission levels categorized by CDC as “moderate.” We are less likely to encounter the virus when we are out and about now than we were in J-Block and Block 5, and we are moving toward a generally lower-risk environment. The CDC recommends masks until county transmission levels are “moderate” as opposed to substantial or high. If campus transmission levels appear well-controlled based on Block 6 initial screening testing early this week, CC will move to mask optional for fully vaccinated people.

Isolation Protocol Now Includes Testing Option on Day 7

After receiving a positive test result, if you are not experiencing symptoms and test negative on day five, you can end isolation (as was the case throughout this semester). If your test result is positive on day five, you can test again on day seven and end isolation if you receive a negative test. Masking is still required through day 10.

Student Events Always Require Approval

Regardless of changes to CC’s COVID-19 events and visitor protocols, all student events must go through the standard Campus Activities process and must register with Campus Activities through the Student Events Summit. Learn more about the student event planning process by reviewing the detailed event planning checklist here.

Faculty and Staff, Are You Hosting an Event Open to the Public?

If you’re a faculty or staff member planning an event in the coming weeks or months, please review these resources from the Office of College Events.

Note: When planning your event as a student, faculty, or staff member, please remember to reference the Chaplain’s Office religious holidays on the Block Plan letter as well as the religious holidays calendar. If you have questions regarding accommodations, ways to be intentionally inclusive of diverse religious and spiritual traditions while planning events (dates/timing), and/or questions about religious holidays on the Block Plan, please contact Chaplain Kate Holbrook: (719) 389-7986

Continue Screening Testing

All students must take a COVID test to start Block 6. The results of this screening testing will inform decisions about protocols for the block ahead. Thank you for your ongoing participation!

Faculty and staff are encouraged to continue with screening testing and may obtain up to two tests (one BinaxNow test kit containing two tests or two FlowFlex tests) from the Worner Desk each week. To help keep track of inventory, please fill out this test kit request form. All positive test results must be self-reported via Qualtrics. Test kits will be available while supplies last.

If You Have Symptoms of COVID-19, Please Stay Home

Students should contact the  Student Health Center  at (719) 389-6384 to make an appointment with a provider for COVID testing (location and hours here). No co-pay is needed. They can also help you with a range of other tests and treatment to help you recover as quickly as possible.

Employees should contact their healthcare provider to determine what tests and treatment are appropriate. They should also contact their supervisor.

The Preserve is the Meal Pick-up Location for Students in Isolation

Food pick-up for students in isolation has moved to The Preserve during off-peak hours. Normal hours are 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Students can go to the west doors of The Preserve, where someone will take their order. Students in isolation should always wear their N95 masks when leaving their isolation space.

Jake Greenblatt ’25 studies math and social choice, Julianna Apse ’25 studies Italian, Tim Smith ’25 studies environment and society, and Anabel Shenk ’25 studies music theory on Tava Quad on a relatively warm afternoon during Block 5. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III

Check the Updated CC COVID Data Dashboard 

The  CC COVID-19 dashboard  shows all known CC student cases. It provides quick access to COVID-19 metrics on campus, including daily and weekly COVID-19 testing numbers and positive test results. For questions regarding this dashboard, please contact  Ben Moffitt  in the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness.   The El Paso County COVID-19 dashboard is available here.

To easily access all things COVID, details of our COVID-19 response are broken down into categories here: Health; Mitigation and Campus Protocols; Testing and Quarantine; and When Off Campus. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions, as well as a listing of all campus messages. If you have additional concerns about COVID-19 or our campus response, direct them to:  covid19@coloradocollege.edu. Remember, there are numerous resources on campus for support and assistance, including the  Counseling Center,  the Chaplain’s Office,  Employee Assistance Plan, the  Butler Center, the  Advising Hub, and the  Wellness Resource Center. 

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