- College still maintaining its Green: Lower Risk operating status
- Students expected to take a COVID-19 test before their return from Spring Break
- Ithaca College's face covering policy remains in effect
- Additional Spring Break guidance to be communicated week of March 7-11
I know it is hard to believe, but we are already nearing the midway point of the Spring 2022 semester! Thus far, we have enjoyed a successful return to activity on campus this spring and I commend the efforts of our entire campus community in helping us navigate our first full month together smoothly.
As we are set to enter the month of March, we are just a couple weeks removed from Ithaca College’s Spring Break period, which will officially begin on Saturday, March 12, and extend through Sunday, March 20. This period will be another significant test in our ability to limit cases of COVID-19 and ensure that the back half of our spring semester can proceed with the full vibrancy and engagement that we have been able to enjoy thus far.
At this time, Ithaca College is still in the process of formulating its public health plan for our post-Spring Break return to campus to be responsive to current pandemic conditions. We will be sharing these final plans with campus the week of March 7-11. I share the following important initial steps to prepare and reminders for our campus community.
Testing Expectation
As was the case prior to the start of the Spring 2022 semester, all Ithaca College students will be expected to complete a COVID-19 test prior to their return to campus from Spring Break. Please start planning now for how you will obtain a COVID-19 test. This test can be either a PCR lab test or a rapid antigen test performed at a pharmacy or other licensed testing center, or a certified home-use COVID-19 self-testing kit. At-home testing kits are available at local pharmacies and retailers throughout the Ithaca area.
The federal government can also be a resource for procuring COVID-19 at-home testing kits. Every household is eligible to receive four testing kits free of charge, which typically ship 7-12 days after placing an order request. Check out this link to learn more about how to procure government-issued COVID-19 testing kits. In order to leave adequate time for shipping, please plan ahead if utilizing this route and place your order as soon as possible.
Responsible Behaviors and Good Public Health Practices
Our actions during the Spring Break week will be the biggest factor in our efforts to maintain low incidence of COVID-19 within our campus community. Whether you have travel plans for the upcoming break or are planning to remain in the greater Ithaca area, please continue to adhere to the basics of good public health practice and make them a part of your normal routine. This includes:
- Wear a tightly fitted face covering, that covers both the nose and mouth, whenever in indoor public spaces or where adequate physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Limit your exposure to large, unstructured gatherings where public health protocols are not being practiced.
- Practice physical distancing of at least six feet when possible.
- Sanitize hands frequently.
Monitor Your Health
Please do not engage in travel if you are feeling unwell and make plans for alternative arrangements. If you begin to experience active symptoms of illness, regardless of a recent negative COVID-19 test result, please limit your exposure to others, seek out additional testing opportunities, and delay travel plans until your symptoms resolve.
Ithaca College asks that any individuals experiencing active symptoms of illness delay returning to campus until their symptoms have resolved. For additional support and guidance, please contact caremanager@ithaca.edu.
Mask Mandate Still in Effect at Ithaca College
As I recently announced, Ithaca College’s face covering policy remains in effect for all indoor on-campus spaces until further notice in alignment with Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) guidance. Tompkins County remains identified as an area of high transmission risk by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and TCHD has maintained its face covering advisory for the Ithaca area. All individuals must continue to wear tightly fitted face coverings in all indoor campus locations, including: classroom spaces, communal lounges, shared study spaces, athletic venues, library, fitness center, and in residence halls when outside of an individual’s living area.
Please be on the lookout for additional updates to Ithaca College’s Spring Break public health planning and response in the coming days.
Thank you for your diligence and commitment to good public health practice, which have allowed us to return to green operating status thus far this semester. These efforts are some important and must be continued in order for us to preserve the vibrant Ithaca College experience for the remainder of the semester.
Sincerely,
Samm Swarts
Assistant Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response