Winter Session Classes Going Virtual

To the Wesleyan community:    

The Pandemic Planning Committee is writing to let you know that, out of an abundance of caution, those winter session classes previously scheduled to take place in-person will now be virtual.     

We recognize that this change will only affect a small number of students, faculty, and staff, as most of our winter classes were already taking place online. However, the continued uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant and upcoming holiday travel has led us to take this precautionary measure.    

Preparing for Spring Semester – December 16, 2021

To the Wesleyan community:

We want to update you on the COVID-19 protocols we have planned for the spring semester.  

While we watch the data on the Omicron variant with concern, thanks to our vaccination, booster and mask policies, we are well-poised to safely continue our in-person classes and co-curricular activities in the spring semester.  

Public Health Update – December 6, 2021

To the campus community:

I’d like to take a moment to offer information about the Omicron variant, answer some questions about boosters, and remind you of the University’s approach to isolation and quarantine.

As you know, we have seen a fluctuation in the number of COVID-19 cases on campus over the past several weeks. Thanks to an almost fully vaccinated campus and our mask mandate, we had very few cases at the beginning of the semester. Those numbers rose before Thanksgiving, but we have seen a reduction over the past week. The increase in cases is a reminder that we all still need to be diligent and adhere to all the safety protocols outlined on Keep Wes Safe website.

Increased cases of many viral illnesses, including COVID-19, are more prevalent in the colder months as activities move inside. Thanks to our safety protocols, we have not seen spread in classroom settings. Spread of COVID-19 appears to be happening primarily through indoor, unmasked socialization.

Update from the Pandemic Planning Committee

To the Wesleyan community:

The Pandemic Planning Community continues to closely monitor our COVID-19 positivity rate. Test results from this week—14 new positive cases from a total of 2971 tests—are lower than the rate of positive cases reported prior to the Thanksgiving break.

Our campus positivity rate remains low in the context of the surrounding area. In addition, those who have tested positive have experienced either no symptoms or mild symptoms. Please review the COVID dashboard for updated information.

Vaccine Booster Requirement for Spring 2022

To the Wesleyan community,

Thanks to our high vaccination rates, mask mandates, and robust testing protocols, the Wesleyan campus community has consistently maintained COVID-19 positivity rates lower than our surrounding area. This remains the case, even as we have seen an increase in positive campus cases. Most importantly, since we have the protection of vaccinations, the COVID-19 cases we’ve had thus far have been asymptomatic or mild. Vaccine booster shots are now available, and they offer an important additional layer of protection.

Public Health Update – November 22, 2021

Dear Students,

As we lead up to the Thanksgiving break we have seen another increase in COVID-19 cases, and our positivity rate increased for this week, but still remains low in context of the surrounding area.

The reported illnesses have been mild and we believe that the spread has taken place through social events and unmasked gatherings. We have not seen evidence of spread taking place in the classroom. Since the rates have increased around us in Middletown, and in Connecticut more generally, we ask everyone to be diligent in wearing face coverings indoors this weekend to help reduce the risk of a further increase in cases. 

Public Health Update – September 13, 2021

To the Wesleyan Community,

It’s so good to see everyone back on campus! Hats off to all who braved the remnants of Hurricane Ida for a successful Arrival Week and start to the fall semester.

COVID-19 has evolved since our previous academic year. During the summer, the Delta variant of the SARS CoV-2 virus began to take hold. The more prevalent the variant became, the more we realized the specific ways it is problematic:
– It is more contagious and transmissible than the native (alpha) strain that we first experienced. The alpha variant level of contagion was similar to influenza. The Delta is more like chicken pox.
– With spikes in the summer, the concern is that it could become more widespread in the fall and winter.
– This variant has become the most common strain of the SARS CoV-2 virus.

Public Health Update – September 10, 2021

To the campus community, 

As we complete the first week of classes, we want to thank everyone for their patience, and continued efforts toward the safety and well-being of our shared campus community. Thanks to everyone doing their part in following and enforcing our safety protocols, we have been able to maintain low COVID positivity rates. 

Although this is a significant milestone, it is important to note that we must still adhere to the safety guidelines and precautions that have proven effective thus far in keeping levels of infection down.

August 27, 2021: COVID-19 Testing Update

To the Wesleyan Community:

I write to share updated information about the University’s COVID-19 testing plan and adjustments to campus services. 

With more than 95 percent of faculty, students and staff vaccinated, we have taken the most important steps toward preventing significant illness. However, given the heightened transmissibility of the Delta variant, we know that even a vaccinated campus like ours will not be impervious to infection. The following plans are meant to keep us aware of cases that do arise and to prevent significant outbreaks.

August 19, 2021: Prepare for Fall Semester

To the Wesleyan community:

As we prepare for fall semester, we can tell you that 95 percent of employees are vaccinated –with about 4 percent requiring medical or religious exemptions – and that we anticipate similar percentages with respect to students. Those receiving exemptions will wear masks on campus and will be tested for COVID-19 regularly. While we watch the data on the Delta variant with concern, we are well-protected and in a good place to start the semester with in-person classes and co-curricular activities.