COVID-19 Update

Posted on by Sarah Frink

Students:

Welcome back to campus! We hope you had a great winter break and a happy new year.

We are beginning the winter term amidst the latest surge of COVID-19, so we wanted to touch base with you about important health and safety protocols that are essential to maintaining in-person living and learning.

Because the omicron variant is much more transmissible, the combination of getting your booster, wearing masks indoors in public spaces and avoiding large unmasked gatherings is even more critical to mitigating the spread. Please note:

  • Get a boost. COVID-19 booster clinics will be offered to students, faculty and staff on campus on January 14 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) and January 20 (10 a.m.­­–2 p.m.) in Hicks Banquet Room. You can register for an appointment at https://hr.kzoo.edu/c19booster/.
    • Boosters are required and your booster record must be submitted to the Student Health Center (SHC) by March 1, 2022, or upon earliest CDC eligibility. Students who are not in compliance with the policy may not be permitted to return to campus for spring term. 
    • If you receive a booster on campus, we have your record and no further action will need to be taken.
    • If you have already received a booster off campus, you may send a copy of your updated vaccine card to healthsv@kzoo.edu.
  • Mask up. Masks—worn properly over the nose and mouth—will be required in all indoor spaces unless eating or drinking (and eating and drinking may be restricted in some public areas). Medical-grade face masks, such as N95 or KN95 masks, are most effective against transmission.
  • Stay home if you’re sick. Keeping away from others when symptomatic is essential to preventing the spread of COVID-19, as well as the flu and other viruses.
  • Test if you’re sick with COVID symptoms or have been a close contact. COVID-19 testing will continue to be available to students through the SHC.
    • If you test positive, the College will continue to follow the 10-day isolation period recommended by the CDC for higher education and congregate living. If we receive updated guidance in the days or weeks ahead, we will communicate that to campus.
    • If you have been exposed to COVID-19: Fully vaccinated close contacts should get tested within 5-7 days after exposure and wear a mask indoors around others for 14 days after exposure while monitoring symptoms.
  • Be cautious of crowds. Avoid indoor off-campus social gatherings where people are likely to be unmasked or unvaccinated.

Last fall, your vigilance with following health and safety guidelines meant that we were able to return to a more typical Kalamazoo College experience. We ask for your continued care as we enter this next challenging period.

Thank you for protecting the hive.

J. Malcolm Smith
Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students

Danette Ifert Johnson
Provost