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November 22 Weekly CIRT Campus Update

CIRT Update

Published November 22, 2021

Dear students, staff and faculty:

Below, please find important campus, regional and national updates from the COVID-19 Incident Response Team (CIRT).

Campus Status

Over the past seven days, there have been nine positive cases of COVID-19 reported through the on-campus campus screening program. For more data on the screening program, please visit Coronavirus Screening.

Concerning COVID-19 Case Spike

Following a concerning increase in cases both nationally and on campus, we strongly recommend that all students receive a PCR test on Monday or Tuesday of this week, prior to the Thanksgiving break. The testing center will be open on Monday and Tuesday (November 22 and 23) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have already traveled for the break you are encouraged to test in your current location.

Upon return to campus, we are requiring that all students take a PCR test on Monday, November 29, or Tuesday, November 30. To accommodate this requirement, the testing site at the Campus Center will be open extended hours on Monday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Test site hours on Tuesday are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All students remain required to test twice the week of November 29–December 3.

Adult Boosters Authorized; May be Required

The CDC and FDA have authorized adult COVID-19 booster shots for all adults. The college strongly encourages all students and employees to schedule a booster shot either locally or in their home communities. The college is considering requiring booster shots as part of its COVID-19 health and safety policies.  

Reminder: Bring OneCard to testing appointments, make sure to schedule and stick to it

Please remember that COVID-19 testing appointments are required and must be scheduled. Remember to bring your OneCard to expedite the check in process. If you have lost or misplaced your card, refer to the instructions for requesting a replacement card. Please continue to use good masking practices. Wear a close fitting mask over both your mouth and nose. When swabbing, please lower your mask to just below your nose, being sure to keep your mouth covered. Test site staff are working hard to help keep our community safe. Your respectful cooperation with test site protocols is appreciated.

January Return-to-Campus Process and Interterm 

Students will receive information shortly regarding the January return-to-campus process and Interterm policies. Students are asked not to make final travel arrangements for the beginning of the spring semester until the arrival plan is complete. 

Preliminary guidance is that students should plan to arrive for the spring term no later than January 22, 2021, at 9.p.m. in order to test prior to the first day of classes.

Thanksgiving Travel Reminders for Students

Students: please remember to check and follow the Thanksgiving travel policy at the student affairs website. Important items include pre- and post-travel testing policy; masking requirements during travel; and class attendance policies upon return.

COVID-19 Incident Response Team (CIRT)

covid19info@smith.edu



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