Masking policy update and arrival reminders

Dear Allegheny College campus community,

I am writing with an update on the COVID-19 pandemic response on campus.

Given the high rate of transmission of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, effective January 13, 2022, masks will be mandatory for all persons on campus in all indoor spaces, including classrooms, the Wise Center, and residence halls. Masks may be removed in private rooms, while eating, and while bathing or swimming, as well as outdoors.

This mask mandate will expire on Friday, January 21, 2022, at 5 p.m., at which time the College and ACHA will make a determination on ending it or extending it for an additional week. Our decision will be based on the disease burden on campus and will be communicated to the campus by email midday on Friday, January 21, 2022.

N95 masks are available at the Wise testing center upon request for anyone who wants one.

Booster update: evidence has shown that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is effective against the Omicron variant. Therefore, Allegheny College will accept this as an appropriate booster.

Campus arrival: If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and obtain a COVID-19 test before returning to campus. Please have your ride to campus await your COVID-19 test results. While isolation housing continues to be available at Quality Inn, it is limited, and students may have to room together. You may prefer to isolate at home, and ACHA can provide information on how to do so safely.

Gator safe. Gator strong.

Dr. Morrow