Date: November 19, 2020
From: Rick Culliton
Subject: New Restrictions on Campus for Health and Safety — COVID Update
To the Campus Community:
I write today with an important update on Wesleyan’s operations, as we have seen a cluster of COVID-19 cases on campus in recent days. Given the community spread we see all around the country and our own new positive tests, we have determined that additional measures are needed to restrict interactions among those on campus.
Starting tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 20), those classes that were to meet in-person before Thanksgiving, will meet remotely. Faculty will be in touch with students about all relevant adjustments.
With Thanksgiving recess less than a week away, students who have received a negative result from their most recent test are advised to leave campus as soon as they are safely able to do so. Students who have not yet received the result of their most recent test should wait to travel. Students who receive a positive test result, experience any symptoms, or believe they may have been exposed to COVID in recent days should contact Health Services at 860-685-2470. Before leaving campus, students must return their keys to one of the key drop boxes (located at North College, Exley parking lot, and Admission parking lot), and follow the closing instructions.
For the safety of one’s family and home community, upon returning home, students should ideally quarantine for 14 days. However, some health authorities have recommended a four-day quarantine followed by a COVID test with negative results.
Immediately, we are implementing additional campus restrictions:
- Gatherings are restricted to your ‘family unit.’
- Organized athletic activities are suspended.
- Dining is exclusively grab-and-go.
- The libraries are closed, but contactless book pick-up is available.
- Freeman Athletic Center remains closed.
- Residence halls, program houses and wood-frame houses are open only to their residents.
- Students are not to leave and return to campus other than for essential trips (e.g., to the doctor or pharmacy).
Students who have petitioned and received permission to remain on campus over break may still do so. These students are encouraged to take a test on November 24. Testing will be closed from Nov. 25–30 for Thanksgiving. If during this time, students remaining on campus become ill or are concerned about a COVID exposure, they should contact Health Services at 860-685-2470. Testing will resume on campus on December 2 and will operate on a reduced schedule: Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. All students and employees on campus will test once per week.
Cabinet members will continue to work with staff to determine positions that are needed on campus for student and faculty support and for other University needs.
As always, it is critical that everyone follow the COVID safety guidelines at all times, including mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing, avoiding gatherings, and staying home when sick.
Thank you for your continued cooperation to keep our community safe. We will update you as necessary.
Sincerely,
Rick Culliton
Dean of Students
Chair, Pandemic Planning Committee