COVID-19 Protocol Update

Dear students, staff and faculty:

As you know, it has been Smith’s practice to adjust its COVID-19 protocols based on caseloads and other data. We are encouraged that caseloads nationally, in Massachusetts, and on Smith’s campus continue to decline. In the last week, there was only one student positive test result. In our letter of October 17, we said that we would end masking requirements if conditions remained stable, and we write today to affirm that decision.

Effective Monday, November 7, we will end our current mask mandate. Masks will no longer be required in class or at events of 30 or more individuals. In accordance with State guidelines, masks will continue to be required in the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness and the COVID-19 Testing Center. Masking is optional and welcomed in all settings, including office spaces and student residences. Please remember to be supportive of those who choose to wear a mask, and avoid asking why someone is masking.

We will continue to make individualized accommodations for those members of our community who are immunocompromised or who have special health concerns, and there is a process in place to accommodate those needs. Students should contact the Office of Disability Services and employees should contact Human Resources for more information about accommodations.

This is a reminder to stay home and get tested if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, cold or flu. Symptomatic testing is available and strongly encouraged for all members of the Smith community through the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness. Please see the COVID-19 Information website for how to access symptomatic testing. We will continue to carefully monitor local, regional and national health conditions and adjust our policies when needed. If you have questions, please direct them to covid19info@smith.edu. As always, we extend our deepest gratitude to the community for your cooperation in following our protocols.

Thank you,

COVID-19 Incident Response Team (CIRT)
covid19info@smith.edu