Updates as we prepare to keep everyone safe while the Omicron variant spreads

Dear Allegheny College campus community,

I hope you are doing well and had a restful break. We are writing with several updates as we prepare to keep everyone safe while the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to spread.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster continue to be the best way to prevent spread and serious illness from coronavirus.

  • The COVID-19 vaccine and booster are mandatory for students as of January 17, 2022. Upload your vaccine card here.
  • The COVID-19 vaccine and booster are mandatory for employees as of January 10, 2022. Upload your vaccine card here.
  • Vaccine and booster exemption requests will be considered by ACHA for students and by Human Resources for employees.
  • Those who receive a COVID-19 booster exemption will follow the requirements for those who are unvaccinated. The requirements for unvaccinated persons have changed.
  • Only mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) will be accepted.

Testing will be increased.

  • Vaccinated students and employees will be tested weekly.
  • Unvaccinated students and employees will be tested twice weekly.
  • Testing hours vary weekly based on demand and staffing. Please sign up here for an appointment or check our website for the week’s hours.

Isolation & quarantine policies have been updated.

  • Students who receive a positive COVID-19 test will continue to isolate for 10 days from symptom onset.
  • Employees may shorten their isolation to five days if formally approved by ACHA.

The difference in policy serves to protect students who live in close quarters, whereas employees live off campus in private residences.

Prevention of disease spread on campus:

  • Employees and students are required to notify ACHA within two hours of testing positive for contact tracing purposes. Prioritizing notification to ACHA will allow us to protect your friends and colleagues with swift contact tracing.
  • Failure to notify ACHA swiftly will result in disciplinary action by Student Life or Human Resources.

Stay on campus:
Please stay on campus as much as possible as we wait for the latest COVID-19 surge to pass. Avoid local bars and off-campus gatherings. Your friends on campus are tested regularly and share your commitment to good health. Remain among Gators.

Masking:
Masking is not mandatory for fully vaccinated students and employees who have submitted proof of vaccination and booster to ACHA. However, masks are an excellent way to stop the spread of disease, and anyone who wishes to mask is welcome to do so, particularly during this period of surge due to Omicron. No Gator can ask or require another Gator to wear a mask; by now it is clear that all Gators put the health and well-being of the community as highest priority.

Gator strong.

Dr. Morrow