By Phoebe Doscher, Editor-in-Chief
Since students began arriving on campus, one student has tested positive and three employees have tested positive for COVID-19. The College will continue to monitor levels of transmission; the mask mandate remains in effect and will be re-evaluated weekly.
“We will provide an update next week based on campus positivity rates and other indicators as the term’s activities begin,” Dean of Students Anne Ehrlich and Director of Human Resources Jen Lucas said in the email to the campus community.
The College still anticipates a 93% vaccination rate for this year. Aside from those with a religious or medical exemption, all students are required to get vaccinated, and employees are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. Adams County has a low vaccination rate and high rate of transmission; the College continues to “strongly encourage” students to wear masks in town.
Next steps regarding the masking policy will depend on positivity rates and additional factors. The College has decided to no longer disclose COVID-19 test results through weekly status updates and a public dashboard “given the limited number of students and employees participating in testing and in order to maintain privacy.” The community will be notified if trends occur or shifts in approach must take place.
