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COVID Update: Preparing for Returning After Break

April 15, 2022

To the pro community

We are writing to prepare you for returning to campus after our long weekend break. We aim to have everyone return safely and with health at the forefront of our minds and hearts.

In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases on campus. The purpose of this communication is to empower you with information, and to encourage actions you can take to make a positive difference for your personal health, the health of your loved ones, and the health of our community.

What we see in the data

We are always keeping a close eye on the number of COVID cases on campus. Having lifted our face mask requirement on March 28, we knew we would see an increase in COVID infections. The pace of infections is another factor that we observe.Starting this past Tuesday, April 12, we have seen a large uptick in cases.

Here is what we have seen:

Many of these newest student cases have been linked to two events outside of the classroom. Our contact tracing team has identified a few cases where classroom transmission was one of several possibilities. However, with the elimination of our face mask requirement and the ease with which the BA.2 variant spreads, it is now far more challenging to identify the likely source of exposure.

BothandHealth Departments are reporting an increase in COVID cases locally, although overall the rates remain somewhat low.

The rate of increase on campus signals a need for attention. We are seeking your help in limiting disease spread as we prepare to return to campus after the long holiday weekend spent traveling and visiting with loved ones.

4 things you can do

Our collective actions have an impact on campus disease transmission. Here are specific actions that will make a difference.

1. Gather outdoors whenever you can.

2. Notice any potential COVID-like symptoms and then get tested.

3. Follow instructions if you are identified as a close contact of an infected person.

4. Voluntarily wear a face mask in classes and crowded indoor spaces, at least for the next two weeks.

Thank you for your proactive efforts to keep our community healthy. We continue to monitor this situation very closely. We have the tools in place to manage this effectively, together.

Stay safe and be well.

Terri Rebmann, Ph.D., RN, CIC, FAPIC
Special Assistant to the President
Director, Institute for Biosecurity
Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
College for Public Health and Social Justice