Here's what you need to know for the week of Jan. 4:
- During the Winter Break, the college sent notifications about one off-campus student who had been on campus, two staff members, and two on-campus students who received positive test results. All positive test result notifications are available here. All known CC cases, regardless of whether exposure occurred at CC, appear on the CC COVID-19 dashboard.
- Here’s how to get tested when returning to campus. Remember: Students moving into on-campus housing receive testing priority (more below).
- As of today, El Paso County is now at Level Orange: High Risk (details below).
|
|
More Contagious COVID-19 Variant Present in Colorado
|
|
|
A much more contagious COVID-19 variant, called B.1.1.7, is now in Colorado. While the new variant’s symptoms are no more severe than previous strains, it is much more easily spread. This means it is even more important to follow safety protocols including wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing hands frequently, to mitigate risk for yourself and others. All CC students who live on campus or locally off-campus (regardless of whether or not they are coming to campus) are required to participate in testing and arrival protocols. If you’ve moved back to Colorado Springs after Winter Break and haven't tested upon arrival yet, contact Linda Petro, lpetro@coloradocollege.edu, to make an appointment. ALL students returning after Winter Break must follow the college’s testing and enhanced social distancing protocols until receiving their second negative test result.
|
|
Avoid Gatherings – Prevent Quarantines
|
|
|
Avoid crowds and gatherings. Limit personal gatherings to no more than 10 people from no more than two separate households. Small gatherings reduce the risk of spreading the virus to many people — and in turn, reduce the likelihood of large quarantines.
|
|
Students: Get Tested When Returning to Campus
|
|
If you are moving into an on-campus residence, head directly to the Student Health Center for your first COVID-19 test. You must complete testing prior to moving into your residence hall. Sign up for COVID-19 testing here for the test closest to your move-in timeslot. View instructions for signing up.
- Testing is free of cost, but please bring your insurance card and arrive on time.
- Schedule your second test for 10 days after the initial one.
The college is prioritizing arrival testing for students who are approved to be living on-campus for J-Block and scheduled their move-in dates via the Spring Survey. On-campus students are expected to schedule their arrival COVID-19 test to coordinate with their selected move-in time and report to testing immediately upon arrival to campus; more information about the Spring move-in process for on-campus students is available here.
Information about arrival testing dates for off-campus students needing access to campus will be available soon. Please note: Off-campus students should only come to campus for testing on the specific dates announced for off-campus COVID-19 testing appointments and are also expected to follow the 10-day period of enhanced social distancing between tests. In order to gain/retain access to campus (the Worner Center, Adam F Press Fitness Center, and Tutt Library) all students must:
- Complete the Safe Return to Campus Student Expectations Module, scoring an 80% or above on all quizzes.
- Participate in arrival testing on scheduled date and then again 10 days later
- Practice enhanced social distancing for 10 days upon arrival/between tests.
NOTE: J-Block is a part of the Fall Semester; Spring Semester begins on Monday, Feb. 1 with the beginning of Block 5. Spring meal plans will become available on Jan. 30. Fall meal plans are currently active.
|
|
El Paso County Moves to Level Orange: High Risk
|
|
|
El Paso County moved to Level Orange: High Risk on Monday, Jan. 4. El Paso County has seen encouraging downward COVID-19 trends, a testament to the efforts of residents to practice prevention measures and help lower our numbers. The most significant change impacts restaurants and indoor events, which are allowed to operate at 25-percent capacity. While this new classification does bring looser restrictions, it’s imperative to remain vigilant in practicing prevention measures. Continue wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, gathering only with people who live in your household, avoiding large crowds, and staying home when you’re sick. Read more about what Level Orange means.
|
|
Updated Coronavirus Vaccine Plan for Colorado
|
|
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has updated the vaccine distribution plan based on recommendations from the CDC. Remember, until a vaccine is widely available, Coloradans should continue to avoid in-person interactions, maintain physical distance from others, and wear a mask. For additional information please visit
https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine
|
|
Can You Help with Our Testing Program?
|
|
|
We are looking for a consistent group of volunteers to help with CC’s COVID-19 random testing program. Volunteers are needed to sign up for three-hour shifts and help to greet and register those randomly selected for weekly COVID-19 testing at the Hybl Community Center. If you are interested and able to help, please contact Andy Obringer at aobringer@coloradocollege.edu for more information.
|
|
|
The CC COVID-19 dashboard shows all known CC community cases, including our local off-campus students and employees. It provides quick access to COVID-19 metrics on campus and in the El Paso County community, including COVID-19 exposure, testing, and positive test results. For questions regarding this data, please contact Ben Moffitt in the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness. We send a notification when an individual who receives a positive COVID-19 test result has been on campus within their contagious timeframe and may have been in contact with others on campus.
|
|
|
CC’s Coronavirus Updates & Resources page has the latest information and answers to frequently asked questions, as well as a listing of all campus messages. If you have additional concerns about COVID-19 or our campus response, direct them to: covid19@coloradocollege.edu; please leave your phone number if you prefer a personal call back. Remember, there are numerous resources on campus for support and assistance, including the Counseling Center, the Chaplain’s Office, Employee Assistance Plan, the Butler Center, the Advising Hub, and the Wellness Resource Center.
|
|
|
|
|
