Dear Allegheny College Campus Community,
Campus quarantine is officially over!
Over the last two days, we tested 300 students in the wide social circles of those who tested positive earlier in the week. No connected positives were noted. Please note: close contacts are in quarantine and are not tested per CDC protocol. A handful of other students tested positive (we were also testing randomly). This speaks to the excellent choices by the vast majority of Allegheny students: you know how to stay safe.
More wonderful news: Grounds for Change is opening on Monday. ACHA and GFC worked together on a safe reopening plan and they are ready to serve you, Monday–Friday, 8–11 a.m. and 8–11 p.m. for take-out brewed coffee. If we consistently see low COVID-19 numbers on campus, GFC will open for sit-down dining in the future.
ACHA and ASG are working together to support students in isolation and quarantine. ASG cabinet members and I had a brainstorming session and came up with an anonymous gift drive. Drop off gently used or new small gifts that you believe would cheer up a student in isolation or quarantine. Nothing crazy: think a Star Wars mug, a deck of cards, or a doodle pad. Do not wrap the item and aim for a value of less than $5. Snacks are okay but should not be perishable. Printed poems, anonymous letters of support, and other creative works are encouraged that are simply of emotional value. Employees are welcome to participate. Drop off gifts at the Residence Life office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
The Allegheny College isolation and quarantine guidelines are now posted on the ACHA website. Remember that while in isolation and quarantine, we can help with gathering items from your room, deliveries of books or prescriptions, and other items that students find crucial. If you need specific items, reach out to Marko Sadikovic at msadikovic@allegheny.edu.
While the last few weeks have been very busy with many students in isolation and quarantine, it has allowed me the pleasure of talking to a lot of students whom I have not previously met. Many of you made me laugh (humor is an excellent coping skill for stress), several of you made me tear up (it is heartbreaking to worry that you may have infected family or friends), and two people sent me art created in isolation. Thank you for allowing me to know you. During this stressful time, Allegheny students remain kind and thoughtful.
We are not out of danger — there are a high number of students in isolation and quarantine, and worsening spread is possible. Stay diligent; email us or call Winslow right away with concerning symptoms. We are here to help.
Be well.
Dr. Morrow