Update from the Pandemic Planning Committee

From: Rick Culliton

Date: December 2, 2021

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.

Contact tracing of positive cases leads us to believe that most transmissions on campus are happening when students—attending social events and gathering with friends—are not wearing masks. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, including wearing a mask indoors, even when visiting friends. Careful attention to masking over the coming weeks will help maintain low positivity rates and minimum positive cases. We also encourage you to get a booster shot as soon as you are able. They are readily available at local pharmacies.

Vaccination including boosters and masking are our best defense against the spread of COVID, however; should we learn through contact tracing the need to adjust our course of action and protocols, we will immediately inform the community. Please continue to consult the Keep Wes Safe website for additional information.

Together we can do our part to make sure we end the semester on a strong note.

Sincerely,

Rick Culliton
Chair Pandemic Planning Committee and Dean of Students