Responding to the Rise in COVID-19 Cases

Dear students, staff and faculty:

Smith, Massachusetts and the country are all experiencing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. As of today, there are 51 students in isolation, the highest number we have seen since the beginning of the pandemic. Massachusetts has experienced a 59% increase in cases over the past two weeks, slightly outpacing the national increase in cases during the same period. 

We are strongly encouraging all members of our community, both on- and off-campus, to practice extra caution. 

Masking remains mandatory on campus in indoor spaces. Masking outdoors remains voluntary, and is welcome in all settings.
Testing remains critical to identifying and isolating positive COVID-19 cases. For those on campus, twice-weekly asymptomatic PCR testing remains mandatory. You may schedule an appointment at the test site using this link. 

Symptomatic testing is available to students and employees experiencing COVID symptoms through the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness. You may take a self-administered symptomatic test at the Schacht Center parking lot kiosk before 2 p.m., Monday-Friday. No appointment is necessary. Please do not go to the test site in the Campus Center if you are experiencing symptoms.

For those not on campus or without access to local PCR testing, rapid antigen testing remains an option. United States households may order 8 rapid antigen tests through the United States Postal Service at no cost.

If you are a student or employee participating in the asymptomatic testing program and have tested positive for COVID-19 via a non-Smith administered test, please email testingandtracing@smith.edu and carefully follow the instructions of your contact tracer and primary care provider in order to protect your health and the health of those around you. 

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