Dear Carls,
Happy eighth week! I hope the increased temperatures have brought about some outdoor activities. Below, you will find a few updates focusing on our most recent test data along, with spring break and Spring Term housing.
COVID-19 Data
Last week, Carleton administered 661 tests for COVID-19 and recorded no new cases of the virus within our on-campus community. As a result, among the College’s threshold measures, our 14-day infection rate decreased to 0.14%, our surveillance testing positivity rate dropped to 0.0%, and the average number of close contacts per case remained at 0. While our on-campus infection rate is very low, the campus action level remains at Level 2: Medium because the surrounding area continues to be of concern, especially as variants spread.
Consistent with our experience in the fall, the instances of infection on our campus have come through social interactions taking place off campus with people who are not members of our community. Detailed data for the week of Sunday, Feb. 14, through Saturday, Feb. 20, is available on the dashboard, which is updated weekly on Mondays.
End-of-Term Testing
Many of you have reached out to ask about the opportunity to be tested for COVID-19 prior to departing campus for spring break. We are hoping to again be able to provide pre-departure testing to all students who wish to be tested and are actively working with the Minnesota Department of Health on this effort. We will share more information with you as soon as it is available.
Spring Break
Any student with a reason to remain on campus over Spring Break must complete the Housing Request Form to request an approval to remain on campus. All students who are permitted to remain on campus over spring break will have OneCard access to Weitz, Anderson, and Sayles-Hill from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily over the course of the break. All other academic and administrative buildings will be closed to students. Departments with student employees working in other buildings may approve student access on a case-by-case basis.
Spring Term
Any student who has not agreed to the Covenant or uploaded their flu immunization verification will need to complete those requirements before participating in the assignment process, unless they have been pre-approved by the Dean of Students Office. Move in for Spring Term is March 27 and 28. All students will again be tested for COVID-19 twice upon arrival.
Be well, Carls, and stay safe.
Dean Livingston