COVID-19 campus protocols updated

To the campus community:

We continue to see a downward trend in our on-campus COVID-19 cases with many fewer students in isolation this week. While breakthrough infections are likely to become increasingly common, it remains encouraging that the vaccines still protect individuals from the most serious health consequences (hospitalization and death). 

As we navigate shared campus spaces, we continue to refine our approach to focus on measures demonstrated to mitigate risk. A couple of updates to our COVID-19 campus protocols:

• Vaccination checks at events/gatherings: Proof of vaccination/testing status for visitors to campus will now be focused on select alumni and family functions as well as indoor ticketed events including athletic competitions and Williams Center performances. We still strongly recommend that all visitors be vaccinated for COVID-19, as vaccinations are proven to offset the most serious outcomes of the virus.
• Masking expectations: Masking outdoors is no longer expected for all group settings. It is expected, however, under the following conditions: when you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 and have not yet received a negative COVID-19 test; if you have been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19; and when you are in a crowded outdoor setting where physical distance cannot be achieved. 

  Masking indoors in shared spaces is expected and remains a strong mitigation strategy. This is especially true in classrooms, labs, libraries, and other administrative and academic spaces and also has proven to work well in shared residential spaces.

  If you have been identified as a close contact to someone who has COVID-19, masking everywhere, including in your own residence hall room, will help protect others as you await your 3-5-day post-exposure COVID-19 test. The CDC does not recommend quarantine for vaccinated individuals, but restricting your movements as much as feasible and masking everywhere is critical.

We have updated our campus protocols to include information about the announcement from the head of the CDC regarding Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.

With a presidential inauguration this week and Homecoming this weekend, we will once again look forward to welcoming alumni, friends, and other visitors to campus. To help keep the entire community safe, we encourage you to enjoy all the outdoor activities planned and to limit indoor gatherings, wear your masks indoors, and limit contact with others if you are not feeling well.

Safer together, stronger together.

Lafayette’s COVID-19 Action Group
covid-19@lafayette.edu