By Nicole DeJacimo, Managing Editor
After the first week of classes, the school confirmed 70 new positive cases out of 1,199 arrival tests taken between Monday, Jan. 17 and Tuesday, Jan. 18. These results put the College at a 5.8% positivity rate. The College announced that they are waiting for 550 more test results from those who tested on Wednesday, Jan. 19 and Thursday, Jan. 20.
In an email to the campus community on Friday afternoon, the administration also confirmed they obtained rapid tests for the following three weeks of testing. Students will receive results within 24 hours of their test.
“While early data suggests that antigen tests detect the Omicron variant but may have slightly reduced sensitivity in asymptomatic individuals, the significant improvement in result delivery makes rapid tests more useful in our context,” said Dean of Students Anne Ehrlich.
Testing for all students will continue for the next three weeks. After that, it will be as the College sees necessary, and weekly for unvaccinated students.
Beginning on Monday, Jan. 24, students and employees can pick up one free KN95 mask at either the Bullet Hole or Servo. The College hopes to secure more masks in the coming weeks. The College recommends that those without KN95 masks double mask while in classes and group settings.
Professors have the option to teach remotely for part or all of the week of Jan. 24, but are expected to return to in-person classes by Jan. 31. Students who have not received a negative test result so far should be in touch with their professors and should not attend in-person classes until they receive the result.
