Level 1
This represents a low alert regarding disease transmission with isolated and rapidly contained numbers of cases among the campus community. Assumes less than 1% new COVID-19 cases among on-campus students and employees each week. If new cases are greater than 1%, we will transition to level 2.
Level 1 actions
- Classes anticipated to be in-person do so with appropriate physical distancing.
- Dining halls are open for sit-down and to-go meals.
- Library buildings are open with reduced capacity in study spaces to ensure social distancing. Students can access digital resources (ebooks, journals, video, etc.) and research help online. Physical books can be requested for pickup.
- Indoor meetings are limited to 45% capacity of any room using the space analysis conducted in the fall; physical distancing and masks must be worn at all times.
- Residence hall cross-visitation (key fob access) is inactive.
- Students are permitted to host guests who are enrolled to study from campus and reside in other residence halls or local off-campus residences whether the residence is College owned or privately owned. The total number present may not exceed double the room or suite/apartment occupancy (i.e., in a double, four people can be present) or five people, whichever is lower. Masks must be worn and social distancing in place. In rooms where appropriate distancing can’t be maintained no guests are permitted.
- In housing common spaces such as residence hall lounges, students must limit groups to no more than five people, wear masks, and socially distance. Visitors from other buildings are permitted in common areas. There are some common spaces where use is limited to one person at a time due to the size of the space and inability to social distance within them (e.g., elevators, small laundry rooms, small kitchens). Signs are posted in areas with specific expectations.
- Informal social gatherings for students are limited to five people. In-person social gatherings must follow the guidelines in the COVID-19-Related Addendum to the Student Handbook.
- Formal in-person gatherings sponsored by student groups, including Greek organizations, may have up to 20 participants. Student organizations must file a mitigation plan with the Office of Student Involvement and receive approval beforehand. Student organization operating guidelines will be reassessed every 4-5 weeks based on changing medical advice, emerging patterns, campus conditions, and transmission rates.
- Outside visitors (guests not enrolled at Lafayette) are prohibited inside buildings but may visit outside if physically distanced and wearing masks at all times.
- Athletics practices and competition are permitted if the Patriot League allows.
- Travel for students is highly discouraged. Students who travel overnight or outside the Lehigh Valley are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of return to campus and may be required to quarantine for 10-14 days when back on campus.
- Students cross-registered for courses at other LVAIC institutions may attend classes provided they adhere to all physical distancing requirements.
- The Arts Campus and Metzgar shuttles operate, adhering to COVID-19 mitigation procedures.
Level 2
This represents a moderate alert for disease transmission and includes mitigation activities aimed at containing spread. In order to protect the campus and the surrounding community, we will operate under Level 2 for two weeks at the beginning of the semester. After we move to Level 1, a combination of factors could result in returning to Level 2, including:
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New positive COVID-19 case numbers for on-campus students and employees exceeding 2% for two weeks in a row.
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Significant breaches in physical distancing guidelines (events beyond College limits, numerous students not wearing masks, students not maintaining six-foot distances in academic or public areas).
Level 2 actions
- Classes anticipated to be in-person do so with appropriate physical distancing and at the discretion of the faculty.
- Dining halls are open for sit-down and to-go meals, but taking meals to go is encouraged.
- Library buildings are open with reduced capacity in study spaces to ensure social distancing. Students can access digital resources (ebooks, journals, video, etc.) and research help online. Physical books can be requested for pickup.
- In-person meetings for student groups are not permitted regardless of size, with the exception of those operated and supervised by the College (e.g., intercollegiate athletics, new student orientation).
- Informal social gatherings for students are limited to those in the immediate residential environment and may not exceed five people.
- Residence hall cross-visitation (key fob access) is inactive.
- Students may host guests from within their own residence hall only up to double the room or suite/apartment’s occupancy (i.e., in a double four people can be present) or five, whichever is lower. Masks must be worn and social distancing in place. In rooms where appropriate distancing can’t be maintained no guests are permitted.
- In common spaces such as residence hall lounges, students from within the building should limit groups to no more than five people, wear masks, and socially distance. There are some common spaces where use is limited to one person at a time due to the size of the space and inability to social distance within them (e.g., elevators, small laundry rooms, small kitchens). Signs are posted in areas with specific expectations.
- Outside visitors (guests not enrolled at Lafayette) are prohibited.
- Athletics practices and competition are permitted if the Patriot League allows.
- Travel outside Northampton County by students is not permitted.
- Students cross-registered for courses at other LVAIC institutions may attend classes provided they adhere to all physical distancing requirements.
- The Arts Campus and Metzgar shuttles operate, adhering to COVID-19 mitigation procedures.