March 22 Weekly CIRT Campus Update

CIRT Update

Published March 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

The campus is currently operating in GREEN mode. For an explanation of the college’s color-coded operating modes, please visit Status & Operating Modes.

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

With your help and vigilance, case numbers continue to be very low on campus and in our immediate community. We are, however, tracking a concerning uptick of cases in Massachusetts. We are at a precarious moment in the pandemic where regulations are loosening, vaccines are being distributed and variants are spreading. The one factor that is in our control is continued adherence to our Culture of Care protocols.

Vaccine Information

Last week, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts updated the timeline for vaccine eligibility. The following people are eligible for vaccination at this time:

On April 5, residents over the age of 55 and individuals with at least one qualifying medical condition will become eligible.

On April 19, all residents over the age of 16 will become eligible.

Please keep in mind that vaccines remain in short supply, and although the state has increased eligibility for vaccination, it may be weeks or months before everyone who wants a vaccine can get one.

Anyone may now pre-register for an appointment at one of the state's seven mass vaccination sites here. More locations will be added to the preregistration system in April. By pre-registering, you are not obligated to take an offered appointment.

If you are eligible, you can use this website to locate a vaccination site. You can also schedule appointments directly at our nearest locations UMass Vaccination Site and the Northampton vaccination site at the Senior Center on Conz Street, which is within walking distance to campus.

Students with questions about transportation to a vaccination site should contact Student Affairs.

Smith College has registered with the state to assist in the vaccine rollout. At this time, vaccination is not available on campus. We will notify our community immediately should that change.

Travel Restrictions Remain in Place

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has replaced the travel order with a travel advisory and will no longer fine people for failing to quarantine on arrival or failing to fill out the travel arrival form. Smith’s policy on travel by students, faculty or staff remains in place, including for Mountain Day and religious holidays. Notably,

  • While in green mode, students must remain within 10 miles of campus and may not visit any off-campus residence.
  • College funds may not be used for travel.

Thank you.

Please send any questions to covid19info@smith.edu.

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



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