Campus family,
We’ve almost made it! Thank you for wearing masks, sanitizing, rearranging event plans and the many other inconveniences you’ve had to endure to ensure we can continue in-person classes for the whole semester.
COVID spike at Union
Just as we can see the finish line, COVID is beginning to take a foothold on our campus. As of today, we now have 12 people currently in isolation (they have tested positive for COVID) and 37 in quarantine (they have had close contact with a confirmed case). We’ve seen a jump from two cases to 12 in just the last five days, and our current count is triple the number of cases we’ve had on campus at any other time during the semester.
I am very concerned about this. If this trend continues, we could have serious problems impacting our ability to keep things open and functioning well.
Additionally, we believe it is important to protect our families. Most of you will soon be headed home to spend time with family. By slowing the spread on campus, we also minimize the chance you’ll be unknowingly taking COVID home with you and spreading it to your family—including those at higher risk for severe illness, such as grandparents.
New Union protocols to slow the spread
The Union College COVID team has decided to take some additional steps to help stop the spike of COVID on our campus and help us finish the school year:
Union Market seating—Only one person will be allowed per table or booth in the Union Market dining room. Please eat alone, then put on your mask and socialize outside of the dining room. This will take effect starting Saturday, November 8. This rule will also apply to the Student Center eating areas.
Athletics suspended—Warrior games have been cancelled or postponed until January. In addition, after Sunday, November 9, all practices for Warriors and Gymnaires will be suspended until January. We are closing practice two weeks before finals in order to limit the number of students in quarantine during finals.
COVID testing for quarantine—Everyone who goes into quarantine will be required to take a COVID test before being released from quarantine. This test may be taken within the last five days before release.
Meetings moving to Zoom—Employee meetings should take place electronically (Zoom or other technology). If a meeting must take place in person, masks must be worn at all times and no food should be served. Classes, course-related student meetings, one-on-one tutoring sessions, etc., may still be held in person as long as masks are worn at all times.
Your part in protecting Union
Public health experts agree that wearing a face mask over the mouth and nose is the single most effective way to slow the spread of COVID. To help us finish the semester and protect our friends and loved ones, you must:
Always wear a mask when indoors.
- Wear a mask in class.
- Wear a mask in study rooms.
- Wear a mask in your office.
- Wear a mask when riding in a car with other people.
- Wear a mask when in someone else’s dorm room, apartment or home.
- Wear a mask in your own dorm room, apartment or home when you have guests.
- Wear a mask outdoors when you cannot be six feet apart from others.
- Wear a mask in the Student Center.
- Wear a mask at any event you attend.
- Wear a mask in Union Market when not at your own table eating.
The only time you should take your mask off is:
- In your own dorm room, apartment or home when no guests are present.
- In the community bathroom when brushing your teeth or taking a shower (but then put it right back on).
- In your private office with the door closed when no one else is present.
- Outdoors when you are able to stay at least six feet away from others.
Do not eat together face to face. Eating is an important socialization time, but it is also a great way to spread COVID since your mask is off. If you want to eat together, please eat outdoors and stay at least six feet apart or share a meal with friends over Zoom.
We can do this together
We are all tired of the pandemic and worn down by a long semester with minimal breaks. But we only have a little more than two weeks to go. You all have done a great job so far keeping our campus safe and making Union a great place to study despite the extra challenges.
If you have questions, Dr. Frankie Rose will be hosting two Q&A sessions on Zoom today, November 5.
Let’s work together to complete this final goal and make sure we can finish the school year in-person.
Blessings,
Vinita Sauder
President, Union College
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