Hello, Colgate Community.
I miss writing these notes, so I thought I would break from the every-other-day routine and send a special message with an important update.
Results from recent wastewater testing have revealed a lowering magnitude of virus load in the lines that were of concern yesterday. That is good news. We have conducted 749 rapid tests during the last two days, with zero positive results — also good news.
Based on this information and a review of other health and safety metrics, the HAT has recommended that the campus move to Gate 2 tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. We will be watching closely for any shift in the wastewater situation and for results from test kits that were delayed en route to the lab — we have not received test results from Feb. 12, 15–16 due to weather conditions.
Therefore, as we celebrate this move together and the hard work that made it possible, let’s also remember that a close contact is someone who has been within 6 feet for more than 10 minutes. Cumulative. The clock doesn’t reset if you moved over an extra foot for a minute to get a better cellphone signal. Masking and social distancing become ever more important as we proceed through the Gates.
Here are some Gate 2 highlights:
- Groups of 20 or fewer people may gather for faculty, coach, or professional staff-led outdoor activities.
- Food may be allowed at outdoor gatherings, weather permitting and pending approval by the Event Safety Group with budgetary approval.
- Groups of 10 or fewer people will be permitted to gather in approved indoor spaces (e.g. common rooms), if they wear face coverings, maintain 6-foot physical distancing (or 12ft if exercising), and follow all the guidelines for the space. These guidelines include the reduced capacity caps for each venue.
- Gatherings should be limited to the common rooms in Gate 2. Common rooms vary by residential type and may include non-bedrooms within traditional residence halls, common rooms within an apartment or townhouse, Broad Street House or private off-campus house.
This is just a sample — please read the full guidance on our website. Then, look for me back in your inbox tomorrow.
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications