Here are important reminders to help you enjoy your block break.
Thanks to your participation in public health measures, on and off campus, the CC community held classes and activities in-person for Block 1 and Block 2. We currently see COVID-19 infections in CC students who have frequent interactions in off-campus settings, e.g., visiting multiple friends’ homes, going to restaurants, and other unmasked and indoor activities. This is consistent with the high transmission levels in El Paso County. High transmission levels mean that we are likely to encounter the virus when we are out and about. At the height of transmission, please limit your interactions with the wider community, wear your mask indoors, and help us to continue the in-person campus experience in Block 3!
Here’s what you need to know to have a healthy block break and a great start of Block 3:
- Almost every county in the U.S. is still experiencing high levels of Coronavirus transmission. This means that we are likely to encounter the virus while out in public. If you travel, check transmission levels at your destination and follow CDC travel guidance.
- Those who are not fully vaccinated may not travel: the week-long quarantine upon return is incompatible with class attendance for the first week of Block 3.
- Mask up indoors unless in your own personal residence; this includes while visiting with friends in their residences. Coronavirus spreads through the air through breathing, particularly in indoor spaces where aerosols tend to accumulate. Even seemingly healthy people can transmit the virus.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid crowds and keep gatherings small and outdoors. Prioritize lower-risk activities outdoors or take advantage of the programming that the Campus Activities and Office of Outdoor Education teams have put together.
- Choose outdoor seating at restaurants.
- Non-CC students are not allowed to be in campus residence halls.
- Do NOT share water bottles, straws, spoons, or forks. This will help to avoid spreading many infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
Parties
CC has reimplemented the party registration form. This must be filled out by anyone hosting a party on or off campus. The purpose of this form is to allow Campus Safety to support party hosts and ensure safe, responsible parties are the norm.
- Masks are required indoors for parties occurring in on-campus apartments and are strongly encouraged at ALL gatherings on- and off-campus.
- Hosts must maintain a guest list to assist in contact-tracing efforts.
- At least one outbreak of COVID-19 cases at CC this year has been connected to large parties. Responsible hosting during the COVID-19 pandemic includes:
- Gathering outdoors when possible;
- Opening windows to increase airflow indoors;
- Limiting the number of guests allowed inside to allow for social distancing;
- Providing individually packaged beverages rather than open source beverages;
- Providing hand sanitizer in public spaces;
- Turning music down so that guests can speak from a reasonable distance.
Our campus shares physical space with the broader Colorado Springs community and our neighbors include elderly individuals and families with young children. Being respectful neighbors means ensuring that noise from parties and noise from groups traveling between parties is not disruptive to the broader community.
Feeling Sick?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and away from others, and call the Student Health Center to make an appointment with a health care provider: (719) 389-6384. In addition to COVID-19 testing, the provider will be able to test for a range of other illnesses, such as influenza, strep, etc., and help you with treatment options.
If you think you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus:
- Wear a mask when around others;
- If you’re asymptomatic, make an appointment for testing 3-4 days after the exposure;
- If symptomatic, call the Student Health Center and make an appointment with a provider;
- Contact CC COVID-19 Emergency Manager Maggie Santos, who will follow up as soon as possible.
In addition to COVID-19, there are other infectious diseases circulating in our community. In particular, the Student Health Center has had multiple confirmed cases of strep throat and the common cold, and there are confirmed cases of influenza in Colorado Springs. There is significant overlap in symptom presentation between these different illnesses and it is important to seek medical consultation regarding the type(s) of testing that should be conducted as well as the need for treatment.
Different illnesses may require different treatments, for example influenza and strep throat. If you are experiencing symptoms, please be sure to make an appointment with a provider at the Student Health Center to receive testing for COVID-19 and other illnesses, as well as determine appropriate treatment options to help you recover as quickly as possible.
All members of the CC community are encouraged to get a flu shot. You can schedule a flu shot at the Student Health Center.
If you have questions, please contact covid19@coloradocollege.edu and check the Coronavirus Updates and Resources webpage.
|
|
|
|
|
