Dear Bereans,

This is the update for Monday, October 24, 2022.

Quarantine update

The on-campus mini-surge reported last week has lessened at least a little.  As of this morning we had eight students in quarantine, three at home and five on campus, down by one from last week.  Among on-campus employees, and we now have five faculty and staff quarantiningwith positive tests, down from nine last week.  Those Bereans work in Hafer Gibson, IS&S and Woods-Penn.  I have not heard that any of the cases represent serious health concerns at this point.

COVID-19 Community Level

The County and the Commonwealth continue to do reasonably well.  As of last Friday Madison County’s COVID community level remained for another week in the “Green” designation.  Statewide, the situation deteriorated a bit.  Last week there was only one county in “Red”, but this week three other counties in Eastern Kentucky are “Red.”  Also, three of our neighboring counties, Clark, Fayette and Jessamine are now “Yellow.”  Given the cold weather we had last week, this is not surprising as folks begin spending more time indoors.

Kentucky update

Consistent with the above, the number of new reported cases in the Commonwealth has notched upward with 5044 cases reported last week in comparison to 3240 cases the preceding week.  The test positivity rate is hanging around 8% at 7.6%. The number of deaths in the state last week was 70 or 10 per day.  It’s been around 10 or 11 per day for the last several months.  Unfortunately, if the number of cases continues to rise, increased numbers of deaths will follow.

 Vaccination (Policy reminder for students)

Students are reminded of the existing policy that mandates currency with vaccination and boosters.

Now that the updated booster is available, students will be required to have received that vaccination two weeks before returning to campus for the spring term.  This requirement will help minimize new surges on campus, enhancing safety and wellbeing for all.  Please note that this booster is readily available at pharmacies now and is free.  White House Clinic can also provide the booster.

For employees, the updated booster is strongly recommended in order to protect yourself and lessen the severity of future surges on campus.  The booster is now available at no cost to everyone over 12 years old at pharmacies in the area.

Don’t delay in getting the updated booster,
Lyle Roelofs, President
Berea College