We all have a part to play in keeping the Lafayette community safe and healthy. We encourage you to continue to reference community transmission levels to inform your decisions about masking and other precautions to protect your health and the health of those around you.
Staying up to date with your own vaccinations remains the best way to protect yourself from the most serious outcomes of COVID-19. High levels of vaccination in the community also help to protect us from large numbers of students, faculty, or staff becoming ill simultaneously.
In addition to being vaccinated, the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. That’s why you should practice everyday preventive actions:
By taking these simple steps and following the other rules and policies you’ll find here, you’re doing your part.
For students who test positive for COVID-19:
For students exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (close contact):
The standard for being compliant with COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all employees and students (incoming and returning) is to meet the CDC definition of “fully vaccinated.” Our recommendation is that each member of the community meet the CDC definition of being “up to date for COVID-19 vaccines.” COVID-19 vaccines remain accessible and free. In addition, vaccines continue to prove effective at minimizing the most serious outcomes of an infection, especially hospitalization and death. You can check to see if you are eligible for additional boosters. Students should continue to update their vaccine status in the health portal. If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, regardless of age, you should contact your primary care provider to discuss available options, as there may be other strategies recommended by your provider.
Exemptions will be available only in limited cases of a verified medical restriction or of a religious belief or practice that conflicts with the receipt of all immunizations. General philosophical or moral objections to the COVID-19 vaccine do not qualify for an exemption. Students who receive a College exemption from vaccination for medical or religious reasons will automatically be exempted from any booster requirements. Students who previously had exemptions do not need to reapply.
Bailey Health Center will continue to perform free diagnostic testing of students. In addition, free self-test kits are available at the health center for students who are concerned about close contacts or having mild symptoms. The CDC does not recommend, and we are not performing, population-level arrival testing or surveillance testing.
Students who are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention and take precautions, including masking if they feel ill.
The College has a mask-optional policy for most spaces on campus. Individual faculty members may require masking for their class meetings, laboratories, and studio sessions. In keeping with our commitment to respecting our community values, we expect everyone on campus to support the decisions others may make to wear a mask at any time. Free KN95 and surgical masks remain available for students and employees at Feather House.
It’s important to pay attention to your health and monitor any changes. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
If you test positive for COVID-19 over a College break, please stay at home for the current CDC recommended isolation period and obtain a letter from your primary care provider stating that you have completed isolation and are cleared to return to campus. Send this documentation to Bailey Health Center via the patient portal.
If your symptoms present when you are on campus, we ask that you isolate yourself to the greatest extent possible and call Bailey Health Center at 610-330-5001. Please do not attend classes or events on or off campus during this time.