December 20 Weekly CIRT Campus Update

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 six positive cases of COVID-19 reported through the on-campus campus screening program.

We continue to contact trace all positive cases in consultation with the Northampton Health Department. For more data on the screening program, please visit Coronavirus Screening.

Interterm Policy Changes

Please review the Interterm policy changes for students, staff and faculty announced in today’s all-campus email.

Mental Health Support for Students on Campus Over Winter Break

Crisis mental health support is available to students during winter break by calling Counseling Services at 413-585-2840, Campus Safety at 413-585-2490 or Crisis Support Options 413-586-5555.

Test Exemption for Employees over Break

Employee requests for testing exemption due to time away from work - including holiday vacations - should go to testingcompliance@smith.edu. Please note that you do not need an exemption from testing on the week that the college is closed for winter recess.

Employee Booster Reminder

Employees will receive guidance following the winter break on how to upload their vaccine record, including both their initial vaccine course and booster shot.

Minimizing Community Health Risk

Given the highly concerning increase in COVID-19 cases both on- and off-campus, CIRT is strongly urging that students and employees exercise common sense when organizing or participating in gatherings (including meetings, events or holiday parties). Please reduce density where possible, and ensure masks are worn at all times in line with current policy. At events where eating and drinking is taking place, please remember to wear masks when not eating or drinking.

COVID-19 Incident Response Team (CIRT)

covid19info@smith.edu

134