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January 2023 COVID Update

January 11, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Happy new year. We hope that your winter break has been enjoyable and restful so far. It is with deep gratitude that we thank everyone on campus for doing their part to keep our community healthy this academic year. Since the fall, we continue to receive reports of COVID-19 cases every week. While the severity of symptoms varies from person to person, the latest sub-variant of the Omicron strain continues to prove highly transmissible. We appreciate your continued cooperation in taking proper precautions to manage your health. Thank you for caring for yourself, your colleagues, classmates, and friends!

With J-term currently underway, we wanted to update you regarding revised policies for the spring semester.

Masking in the Spring Semester

During the first week (January 25-February 1), masks will be required in all classrooms and instructional spaces. This indoor mask-requirement is a precaution during the transition period back from winter break and in response to the current increase we are seeing associated with holiday travel.

Starting February 1, 2023, masking will become optional in all settings with the following exceptions:

  • all health care facilities (e.g., Health Center, athletic training);
  • campus spaces with posted signage indicating a mask requirement (signage is available at the Events and Campus Operations Office in Mather Hall);
  • any specifically designated mask-required gathering, office, or meeting;
  • Faculty members may require masks in their designated instructional or classroom spaces. It is expected that students will adhere to this requirement should a faculty member require masking.

We will continue to monitor positivity rates during this time and will be sure to communicate if there are further adjustments to the above policy. As a reminder, we are a mask-friendly community and expect everyone to respect the decision of individuals who choose to wear masks.

Vaccine Reminder

Trinity College is currently not requiring the bivalent booster. For those seeking additional protection, the CDC recommends eligible individuals receive the COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine, which is based on the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants. Please visit the CDC website for more guidance. If you feel you would like the booster, local pharmacies should have availability.

Students Returning to Campus

If you are not feeling well and are experiencing COVID-like symptoms before returning to campus, we request that you administer a COVID test at home. If you test positive, please remain home and call the Health Center for further instructions.

Testing on Campus

As a reminder, the Health Center is open to students for COVID testing and appointments Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Students should call (860) 297-2018 to consult or to schedule an appointment. Students who test positive after hours or on weekends should notify the Health Center by email at [email protected].

Employees who develop symptoms should take a rapid test at home. Positive results need to be reported to Kate Durante in Human Resources at [email protected], who will consult on proper protocols, including quarantining. Employees also must advise their managers, per the usual process, if they are not able to work due to illness.

On behalf of the COVID Steering Committee, we thank you for your cooperation and look forward to another great semester.

Sincerely,

Joe DiChristina,
Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management

Dan Hitchell,
Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer