To Lafayette students, faculty, and staff:
I am writing to update the community on COVID-19 cases on campus and to provide timely related information.
As expected, with the highly contagious BA.4 and BA.5 omicron variants still circulating in our region, we have seen an increase in cases during the first 10 days of classes. Although the omicron variants cause less severe illness than prior variants, especially for those who are fully vaccinated, it also spreads more easily regardless of vaccination status or history of prior infection.
In an effort to mitigate a more widespread outbreak and offer guidance for those who may become ill with the virus, I would like to share with you some important relevant information consistent with our protocols and CDC-recommended practices:
- Reporting a positive test result: Students who test positive for COVID-19 using a rapid self-test or at an off-campus location should use Bailey Health Center’s COVID-19 self-reporting form. A positive test result can be reported 24 hours a day. After submitting the form, you will receive an automatic response with next steps.
- Isolation: Students who test positive for COVID-19 should both
- (1) isolate themselves in their assigned rooms or off-campus apartments for at least five days and until they are fever free and their symptoms are improving, AND
- (2) mask for an additional five days immediately after isolation. During isolation, a Dean’s Excuse will be issued, and we expect the student to use mobile ordering for meals.
- Masking: While I recognize that we are all confronting COVID-19 fatigue, for the safety of everyone on campus we expect that you will wear a mask for 10 days if
- (1) you are ill with any respiratory virus, since the rapid tests are not as sensitive for the Omicron variant; OR
- (2) if you have come in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Vaccines: We encourage everyone to get vaccinated with one of the newer vaccines that targets the highly contagious omicron variant. The CDC and FDA have cleared the new Pfizer and Moderna reformulated vaccines, which should be available in the coming weeks.
As a reminder, Bailey Health Center has added a nurse phone line so that anyone who wants to do so may speak with a health professional even if the center is closed. If you feel ill and are unsure of what to do when the Health Center is closed, please call the Nurse Line at 1-888-402-5846, opt. 4.
Let’s do everything we can to keep our campus safe and healthy.
Dr. Jeff Goldstein
Director of Health Services