Here’s what you need to know for the week of April 25:
- Students: Initial Block 8 COVID screening testing required
- If you feel sick, get tested
- Use the CC COVID-19 dashboard to inform your masking choices
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Students: Get Tested After Block Break
Thank you for continuing to participate in screening testing. All students are required to participate in initial Block 8 COVID screening testing; you received an email notification on Sunday to take a COVID test with eMed by the end of today, Monday, April 25. As always, if you have symptoms, even if they are mild, please seek testing (see below). As always, Block 8 screening testing protocols will be determined based on test results and participation rates. We will be in touch via email later this week. Students who are not fully vaccinated should continue testing twice weekly.
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Test before attending parties and other gatherings in Block 8
CDC recommends testing prior to attending indoor gatherings. Test immediately before the gathering, or as close to the time of the event as possible. COVID-19 is airborne and current variants of concern tend to spread rapidly during indoor gatherings in poorly ventilated spaces, including private homes. In addition to testing, masking and improved ventilation, e.g., by opening or cracking windows and doors, or using HEPA filters or Corsi-Rosenthal air cleaners help to reduce transmission risk.
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Return to Mask-Optional Policy
During the Block 6 COVID spike, we implemented a temporary policy change, allowing professors to require masks in the classroom. Screening testing continues, and beginning now, we have returned to the campus-wide mask-optional policy. Masks remain an important and effective public health tool. All may choose to wear a mask at any time, for any reason. KN95/N95-type masks are the most protective.
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If You Have Symptoms, Test
Testing is important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Because new variants are spreading extremely quickly, take a COVID test if you’re experiencing even mild symptoms. Students, if you’re feeling sick, stay home and contact the Student Health Center at (719) 389-6384 to make an appointment. Employees should contact their healthcare provider and their supervisor.
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Did You Order Your Free At-home COVID-19 Tests?
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order two sets of four free at-home tests. Order tests now so that you have them when you need them. If you already ordered your first set, order a second today.
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Post-COVID/Long-COVID Conditions
Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience four or more weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Even people who did not have COVID-19 symptoms in the days or weeks after they were infected can have post-COVID conditions. These conditions can present as different types and combinations of health problems for different lengths of time. CDC and experts around the world are working to learn more about short- and long-term health effects associated with COVID-19, who gets them, and why. Here’s the latest information from the CDC. According to CDC, “The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is to prevent COVID-19 illness,” including first as well as re-infections. Long COVID can be a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Section 504, and Section 1557 if it substantially limits one or more major life activities. Students, if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms due to COVID-19, contact the Office of Accessibility Resources to explore supports so you can participate fully in college life.
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Check the Updated CC COVID Data Dashboard
Masks remain an important tool for mitigation, and we encourage you to wear a mask indoors when case numbers are high and you are more likely to encounter the virus. Check the CC dashboard to find out about local conditions and county COVID community levels to inform your masking choices. 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.
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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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14 E. Cache La Poudre St. | Colorado Springs, CO 80903 US
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