Dear Allegheny College community,
I am writing with a brief update.
Close contacts:
- If you were identified as a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week, you were advised to get a COVID-19 test at the Wise Center on day 5 and day 7 after your date of contact.
- If the Wise Center testing site was closed on your day 5 or day 7, you should obtain an off-campus COVID-19 test as close to those dates as possible.
- Please send the results to ACHA before you return to campus.
COVID-19 positive community members:
- Four vaccinated students who tested positive for COVID-19 are at the Quality Inn.
- Three vaccinated students who tested positive for COVID-19 are isolating at home.
- Three unvaccinated employees who tested positive for COVID-19 are recovering at home.
Off-campus COVID-19 testing:
- If you test positive for COVID-19 in an off-campus test, you are required to email ACHA right away so that we can expedite contact tracing and notify affected community members.
Post-Thanksgiving testing:
- Make sure you sign up for two COVID-19 tests at the Wise Center after Thanksgiving. These tests are required for all students and employees — even if you did not travel.
- The first test should be as soon as you return, before you go back to your residence hall, to your first class, or to work;
- The second test should be 3-5 days later.
- Given the high number of people being tested, walk-ins are discouraged. Of course, if your travel plans change, you are welcome to walk in as soon as you arrive. Bring your earbuds and some work to do in case you have a brief wait.
Coping skills:
When stress rises, we problem-solve. Sometimes that means making lists, pulling an all-nighter, or asking for help. Those are called problem-solving coping skills. A weeklong break is a great time for emotion-based coping skills: laughing with friends, meditating, or exercising. Take care of yourself and reach out to friends, family, ACHA, or the counseling center if you need more support. Everyone is feeling it.
I wish you a restful time away from classes, work, and other obligations. Gator strong.
Dr. Morrow