COVID-19 update

Dear students,

It is staying light later in the evening, and warmer temperatures will return this weekend. We are continuing to see largely encouraging news about COVID-19 cases across the country. That said, this truly is not the time to allow our protective behaviors to erode. New variants represent an unknown with some of the newest variants generating more serious illness in younger populations. Mask up, keep your distance, and continue to keep close tabs on your social circles. Keep yourself and your peers safe!

• Eighteen new student positives and two new employee cases were found in testing over the past seven days for a positivity rate of 0.9% for students and 0.3% for faculty and staff. We will remain at Operational Level 1 for an additional week as both student and employee cases rose last week, with a sharper rise in student cases today. In addition, reports of non-compliance with physical distancing were received for the second week in a row.
• Pennsylvania has provided information about the phases for COVID-19 vaccine access. When it is available for individuals ages 16-65, students will be eligible to register and get vaccinated even if they are not a resident of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the timing is not yet known.
• If you have been vaccinated, remember this does not guarantee you will not contract or spread COVID-19. Continue to wear appropriate face coverings, maintain physical distancing, and limit your unique social contacts. You should send a completed copy of your vaccine record to healthsvcs@lafayette.edu.
• Wondering what new in-person activities are coming up? Check OurCampus for the most up-to-date details!  Be on the lookout for class year programming, intramural and group fitness opportunities, and don’t forget Thursday Night Lights!

If you have questions, please contact me.

Annette Diorio
Vice President for Campus Life