By Laken Franchetti, Assistant News Editor
An email was sent out on January 19 to members of the Gettysburg College community detailing COVID-19 updates, reminders, and next steps for the spring semester.
Omicron Concerns
The college expects an increase in positive cases on campus during the spring semester as a result of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. Health experts state that the Gettysburg College community is at a low risk of serious illness, and the positive cases that may arise are likely to be asymptomatic or mild to moderate symptoms. The majority of campus is fully vaccinated or receiving the booster once eligible. The college stresses that they wish to deliver as normal of a Gettysburg experience for students.
In-Person Classes and Activities
The restriction period that the college has been under will end on Monday, January 24. In-person classes and activities will then resume, and all academic buildings will be open. If a student tests positive during this period, they should contact their professors to make arrangements while in isolation.
Updates and Reminders
Regardless of vaccination status, all students will continue to test for the next three weeks. The testing of vaccinated students will be reassessed after Wednesday, February 9. Currently, students may expect delays in receiving their COVID-19 test results. This is due to the abundance of testing and a shortage in lab staff. Results will likely be heard after four days of testing, yet if a student has not received their test results by Monday, January 24, they should not attend in-person classes and reach out to their professors to discuss arrangements.
Servo and Bullet Hole will begin in-person dining on Monday, January 24, yet Bullet Express to-go meals will also be available to all students. Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are still awaiting results should avoid in-person dining and utilize Bullet Express. To do so, students can download the Touchnet Order Ahead app. The meal can then be picked up at the Bullet Express window at Bullet Hole.
There will be an on-campus booster clinic for students that have not received their booster prior to returning to campus. Health Services will be offering this clinic on Thursday, January 27, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Friday, January 28, from noon – 4 p.m. An appointment can be scheduled through Medicat. All students are required to receive a booster shot within two weeks of becoming eligible if a College-approved exemption is not presented.
Regardless of vaccination status, all individuals are required to wear a mask while inside campus buildings. The exceptions to this rule are when an employee is alone in their personal office or workspace; when an individual is actively eating or drinking; or when a student is in their assigned room or apartment.
Food and drink will not be permitted in the CUB Ballroom for the remainder of the week as it will act as a fully masked study space.
