Hello, Colgate Community.
The week begins with good news. Pending results of today’s testing, we have identified no new student cases of COVID since Aug. 25. We are monitoring three active student cases, and two of those are completing their isolation at home. Four employees continue with their isolation period, and we are counting the days until everyone’s return.
We conducted 766 tests on Friday to complete first-year arrival testing protocols. Today, we will run nearly 1,200 more as we begin second-round tests for upper-level students. Weekly testing for unvaccinated individuals begins next Monday.
In short, our pandemic response — conducting arrival tests, mandating vaccination, and encouraging masks — is keeping us as safe as possible. Colgate’s student vaccination rate is 96%. Among employees, it stands at 94%. Research shows that, when students and instructors are vaccinated and masks are worn in the classroom, transmission rates are reduced by 99%.
Fresh air also helps: always choose to gather outdoors if you are enjoying time with friends, especially while the weather is warm. Close contact is still defined as someone who has spent 10 minutes or longer within 6 feet of a positive case — 12 feet for increased-exhalation activities.
Best of luck with the week ahead, and I’ll talk to you on Thursday.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Acting Chief Diversity Officer
Take Note
The Colgate Cruiser has updated timetables and added new loops.You can find real-time updates on cruiser locations via the Transloc mobile app. Download it from the App Store or Google Play. Per CDC guidance, masks are required on all public transportation, including the Colgate Cruiser.
Event organizers, you can find updated gathering and event guidelines on the Colgate Together website. For events that will be attended only by Colgate University faculty, staff, students, and registered volunteers, there are currently no restrictions. For events with guests from outside the campus community, including gatherings that are open to the public, review of the event by the Event Safety Group is required. The guidelines do include best practices that can aid in the planning for any event.
On behalf of the Task Force on Reopening, all employees are invited to attend a town hall tomorrow, Aug. 31, from 4 to 5 p.m. Register to join. Ask a question.
Biometric screening is not required this year for employees participating in the CU Well Program. Find updated information on how to log your 300 points before Nov. 30 on the website.