September 28, 2020
Dear Members of the Hobart and William Smith Community,
During the past week, the Colleges administered 335 COVID-19 tests, all of which were negative. Of the 34 students who had positive tests since the beginning of August, 32 are now recovered. Two students remain in isolation, and 28 are in quarantine with three others in precautionary quarantine (travel-related). All of these students are scheduled to be released on or before next weekend.
This positive news demonstrates that the protocols we have in place are working. We cannot, however, allow ourselves to develop a false sense of security. It is essential that we remain vigilant in our practices so that we can protect the health of everyone in the community. During the past weekend, two off-campus houses hosted social events in violation of the Colleges’ Community Standards Addendum and public health guidelines. The students who hosted these off-campus gatherings have been suspended. In order to reduce the probability of another cluster outbreak, we must hold ourselves and each other to the highest of standards.
As a reminder, everyone must continue to wear face coverings. Gaiters are no longer acceptable, nor are face shields alone. Face shields do provide an additional layer of protection but only when worn with a face mask that covers the mouth and nose. Appropriate face masks were distributed to every student upon arrival to campus and continue to be available at the Campus Safety office upon request.
As we move into Flu season, the CDC recommends that everyone receive a Flu shot, and has published information on the similarities and differences between the Flu and COVID-19. The Colleges are hosting opportunities for students and employees to receive Flu shots during the next two weeks. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the flu shots, and no appointment is needed.
Flu shots will be available in Bartlett Theatre (in Coxe Hall) at the following times:
- Monday, October 5; 10 am to 4 pm
- Tuesday, October 6; 10 am to 2 pm
- Monday, October 12; 10 am to 4 pm
- Tuesday, October 13 ;10 am to 2 pm
Two additional times for employees only are being scheduled and will be announced as soon as those dates and times are set.
We thank everyone for their continued diligence and wish everyone a good week.
Sincerely,
Mary Coffey
Provost and Dean of Faculty
Robb Flowers
Vice President for Campus Life