Dear Bereans,
This is the update for Monday, September 12, 2022.
I am sending this update out a little earlier in the week than lately because of some challenging developments and the resulting necessity to make a policy change. (See below for the details of the changed circumstances pertaining to the College and the immediate area.)
Because of a surge of cases among students and the fact that the situation has also deteriorated in Madison County, the AC has decided on changes to our masking policy, effective immediately. Because transmission among students is occurring in some classroom settings and seems to be concentrated in some residence halls:
- Masking will be required in all classroom settings
- Masking will be required in all residence hall settings, except in a student’s individual room
- Masking will be required in all music ensemble practices and performances
- Masking will be recommended for all Bereans in any indoor congregate settings
- Masking is strongly suggested for all Bereans in any off-campus public settings
- Masking will be required for all visitors at any campus events.
Quarantine update
We have experienced a surge of student cases over the weekend. At present we have 18 students who have tested positive and are quarantining, three off campus and the others on campus. As of this morning, we have four on-campus employees quarantining with positive tests and three positive employees who work remotely. The on-campus Bereans who have tested positive work in Draper Hall, Lincoln Hall, Danforth Technology and Facilities.
A Kentucky update is not available, as the Commonwealth is only publishing its statistics once per week late in the day on Mondays.
COVID-19 Community Level
As of last Friday Madison County’s COVID community level has returned to the “Red” designation, and all of our neighboring counties have gone “Red” too. Overall, more counties are “Red” state-wide.
Vaccination
The one bright spot I have to share is that the “updated booster” vaccinations have just become available locally. These updated shots provide good protection against the omicron subvariants, which have been noteworthy for their ability to circumvent the original vaccination formulation. For more information about the new boosters, see here.
The Moderna version is authorized for any person 18 years or older and the Pfizer for any person 12 years or older; in both cases it should be at least 2 months since you received your last vaccination shot.
I am pleased to say that Mrs. Roelofs and I received the updated booster this morning. Walgreens has appointments available, and I assume that other pharmacies do as well. The shots are free.
Lyle Roelofs, President
Berea College
Two quick clarifications…
- The mask requirement does extend to dining, except when you are eating.
- Also, the prior requirement of masks in all mass gatherings remains in place. So, for example, masking is required in convo and in any other indoor activity involving 50 or more persons.
We appreciate all your efforts to help keep everyone safe and so that the College can continue to operate!
Pr. Roelofs