COVID-19 update

Dear Lafayette students, faculty, and staff,

There has been a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in our region and nationwide. While we no longer track the number of cases on campus, we have already seen a number of students sickened by the virus. The new FLiRT variant is likely contributing to the surge in cases that has emerged this summer. As students and staff return to campus, we expect a spike in cases in the first few weeks of the semester. 

As a reminder, in March the College adopted the new CDC guidelines for people who test positive for COVID-19. Per this guidance, which now matches health advice for other common respiratory viruses, we continue to recommend the following strategies to limit the number of infections on campus: 

• Stay home when you are sick. 
• Test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms; tests are available for students at the health center.
• Use actionable measures to protect yourself and others ( such as wearing a mask).
• Return to regular activities when you are feeling better and your symptoms are improving.
• Practice good hand hygiene and keep common spaces clean with germicidal wipes.

People who test positive or show symptoms no longer need to isolate or report cases to Bailey Health Center.

Welcome back and stay healthy,

Dr. Jeff Goldstein
Director of Health Services